Ripples of Autism Awareness

By Luke Porpio's Mom
(Maria Ehma Porpio)

“To somebody who most forcibly struck me to the point of realization...  Who has humbled me to know what I am capable and not capable of. Until that moment, I never know myself.

Thank you my dear son, Luke!

Thank you for bearing that disorder that opened our eyes to God’s goodness and grace. You have made me embrace my own flaws and appropriate my strengths to use them to the best of my ability. I love you even before you were not born.”

 –Mommy

The Digger Dash

It was Digger Dash, a fund raising event for my son’s school. 0930 AM at his Kindergarten Classroom. Funny, how much I still remember the character and atmosphere of the place. It seemed like the clock stopped at that moment to give a chance for my memory to engulf. I still remember too, the pain. The mother’s pain of hearing other children say, “Yup, that is Luke and he is crazy!” I know people are somehow bound to say it. It’s not that I’m waiting for it to happen but I know there will be that time; that time when words will lash out and crush me. As this moment is expected… the relentless blow to my core is not. My shoulders drooped and my joyous spirit did too. I wanted to open my mouth and say:

“He is NOT crazy! He has Autism! Autism is a disorder for brain development. This disorder…”

But I did not. Even if I would, I can’t win because they would not understand. They are just kids. 

I allowed my tears to finally find its way to show the world how I really felt. Before I could wipe it fast so nobody would notice, my husband (Luke’s father & our anchor), Jon already did. He felt the pain too but then said, “This is a time for us to celebrate. Let us be the one to celebrate him because nobody knows him better than we do.” I paused and smiled because he was right!

I am his mom and I am willing to bear any attacks thrown at him but I am human too and I get vulnerable, and I cry. But that’s it. I will cry all I want to but I will never wallow in self-pity. 

Then, with all due respect, allow me to rejoice over my son’s genius; for his unspoken genius of which we avoid talking to prevent the notion of bragging.

I celebrate him because he has given us so much joy

I celebrate him because patience is so hard. Sometimes, celebrating is much easier. 

I celebrate him because of whom much is given, much is also required.

I celebrate my son because he is God’s masterpiece!

Autism Awareness in the Classroom

Have you ever had that moment when there’s too much energy, you can’t just sit, you have to do something? Well, it took me days and a good friend to realize that I needed to do something after that event at Digger Dash. Celebrating my son was good for me and my family but I still feel there is more to do.

One of the meetings with the OT, she talked about Luke’s progress and his little need for her services. I agree to discontinue OT but I asked her one final favor like a child making one last wish to the genie, “Can I talk in front of Luke’s class, give them our homemade books and read to them about Luke’s brain and their brains?” She granted my wish and even personally talked to the classroom teacher about my proposal. 

So by next Wednesday, November 5, 2014, I will be spreading awareness in my son’s classroom. Pray for me that the message will bear fruit. 

Our awareness will entail a strategy called “ANGELICA’s Strategy” in honor of my daughter (Luke’s sister) who came up with an idea from watching Arthur in PBS. She made sure to review the whole process so no words like “manufacture” or “inhabitant” will be incorporated, too complex for the kindergarteners to understand. What a blessing to have her!

Here’s what we are going to do (our final copy of the book through the kids drawings will be posted after they’re done):

This is Luke (drawing of Luke).

He looks like you and me but his brain is different. How so? Let me tell you a story.

Imagine crash landing on a different planet (drawing of space ship).

Everything looks different. People in that planet seem to tell jokes even if they’re not, so you laugh with them (drawing of a kid laughing).

But sometimes they seem to sing sad, sad songs too that make you cry (drawing of a kid crying).

You wish the scientists on earth have given you a guide book to this strange planet. But they forgot to pack one. So you have to learn things all on your own.

Maybe there is one thing in that planet that you love to say and do like Chuck E Cheese and you want them to say and do that too because you want to make friends (drawing of friends).

Maybe their Math or Reading in that planet is much easier than that of planet earth so you begin to help other people learn Math and Reading too (drawing of book).

Maybe someday, nobody will think you are crazy and will begin to fit in (drawing of Luke smiling).

My Treasure in this “somewhat” Mundane

I thank God for not giving me the chance to write about what I felt the day this happened. If He did, I could have probably beaten up my computer keyboard typing my emotions ferociously. But then again, I was so busy pacifying my selfish self; I was spent enough to lose time for lunch.

He has given me time to think and act accordingly instead.

He has granted me waves of encouragements from precious friends who have enabled me to start a ripple of Autism Awareness. 

Praise the Lord!

Ignite a Spark: Friends Inspiring Friends

By Maria (Ehma) Porpio

What is a Spark Plug?

I don't know how a spark plug works. Although I heard of this thing before when I worked at my dad's hardware store, I never had an interest about this particular spare part until just recently, when I started writing this blog. Other than Google, I suspect nobody can get me instant and better information about the mechanics and purpose of a spark plug except my spouse. By the time he opened his mouth, my selective hearing turned on. All I heard was, “the spark plug sparks and ignites the mixture.” just what I wanted to hear. Then I digressed.

Meet The Spark People:

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. There are friends at all times.

During a fundraising "Bake Sale" for Typhoon Haian

Mojito Night

Liza C-

 She makes her own laundry detergent and softener. Recently, we texted and shared recipes, compared cost, and celebrated over an amazingly effective, natural and cheap laundry detergent. Quiet but fiercely inspiring, she paved my way to the life-changing books of Dave Ramsey and Gary Chapman. She runs marathons too.

Here is Liza's laundry detergent recipe which only cost less than $15/year:

1 cup Borax= $4/box 1 cup Washing soda= $4/box 1 grated Fels-Naptha=$2/bar

Combine and use only 2Tbsp/load.

Therese H-

 I flipped through David Bach's "Smart Couple, Finish Rich" book and couldn't put it down. Since then, I was a changed woman. Thanks to Therese for the book and all her gifts of time, friendship and love. She always knows how to instigate an intellectual conversation.

Carine L-

 Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on the hill cannot be hidden." This passage is made for Carine. A nurse by heart and profession, we can always tell her positive influence emitting on us. She bleeds enthusiasm, motivation and love.

Iris A-

 An artist and triathlete, she taught us and many others to let our own light as she shines brightly herself. Such a beautiful influence to the world!

Inspire Friends, Ignite a Spark

The 4 gentle souls above are so different, yet they have one thing in common: All of them relentlessly aim to better themselves. In so doing, they effortlessly ignite a spark of inspiration to their circle. Nobody's perfect and they're not exceptions. But within the confines of their limitations lies the strength to be vulnerable, to be true, and to be stripped of pretentious assumptions of what their hearts are full of. It's not their spotlight moments that made them my friends for the long haul but it is during their weakest points of struggles, loss and disappointment (sometimes to our spouses) when I see myself in them.

Each one of them believes one is not 7-11 whom they can call for convenience only. I put emphasis on this because lasting friendships are stable, not unmoored in the sea of emotional rants and raves. Two live a thousand miles while the other two, only a 10-minute drive on the interstate. However, everyone is present during gatherings in a form if emails and prayers. For them, it is important.

Let me tell you a story about my son. He loves to clean his ears. Ask him to wipe the table, vacuum the floor, and sometimes, do the dishes, as long as there’s cotton buds prepared to clean his ears. He'll do anything for anyone as long as they allow him to clean his ears. We might not understand why he loves to clean his ears but for him, it's rather important.

Friendships take a lot of work. You have to plant and toil before you harvest the fruit of better understanding from a friend. But as “cleaning the ears” is important to my son, you’ll do the best that you can to keep the friendship if you deem it important.

However, sometimes no matter what you do, no matter what you say, everything is misconstrued by a friend. Find a breather. Make yourself better from what you used to. Ignite a spark. Inspire people. Maybe, someday that friend whom you've invested your energy upon will come back to you in time. But during the process, thank her because she’s the tool that you became better. God has awesome ways of teaching us how to find TREASURES in the MUNDANE.

You are loved!

(This post is dedicated to my 4 friends who propelled me to write.)

Free Smart Phone Apps That Saved Our Christmas Budget

Free Smart Phone Apps That Saved Our Christmas Budget

By Maria (Ehma) Porpio

I felt terrible falling for the concept of materialistic advertisements turning WANTS into NEEDS. We went slightly over our budget last Christmas so my husband, Jon and I decided, at the beginning of this year to set aside savings for the Holidays. Automatically every week, the bank draws money from our checking account to add the amount towards that particular “Christmas Savings Account.” So the Goal how much to Spend was set.

Since I wanted to reach that goal of spending below our Christmas Savings Budget, I made a plan of shopping way earlier to avoid the rush and temptations. I tell you having a budget is not only liberating but it’s also rewarding after it dawned on you that you have exceeded your expectations because you have a goal. That simply sort of happened to us. Our family’s Christmas list is done, gifts are wrapped but our Savings Account has never been touched. Intact! Wow! A big chunk of money to add payment to the ultimate goal and that is paying off the house. Praise God!

I will never get tired of saying BUDGET, budget, BUDGET because if you don’t budge, you don’t get. When I get groceries, I budget. My goal was to spend below the budget so I always get more cash at the end of the month and that extra cash was what I used to buy Christmas presents. Budgeting my time is just the same as budgeting my money, both boils down to priorities. The last time I was laboriously searching for coupons, I ended up with hungry children, a house full of mess and missed appointments. Then I realized clipping coupons is time consuming. It robs the time for my family and priorities. Therefore I conclude, it’s not for me, until I discovered these Free Smart Apps… 

1.       Ibotta- They said it’s better than coupon and I very much agree. Here’s why: a.) Clippings coupons steal most of my time with the kids, Ibotta does not, b.) Coupons only saves you money and sometimes gives you cash back, Ibotta instantly earns you cash while you shop (Yes, I’m serious and I know because I’ve already accumulated $75 dollars just by shopping for bread and butter), c.) Coupons only allows you to shop for particular brands, Ibotta sometimes lets you explore your options (So one time I had a coupon of my favorite brand. I was able to use it on top of the cash back that Ibotta offered. Sweet!) So if you’re interested, download the App for free. Here’s how it works: 1^st, Browse through their rebates and find the ones you need. (I found wines and glade melts for a very good price so I bought them for gifts.), 2^nd, Unlock the rebates. Each rebate is unique. Some will ask you to answer a trivia; others will let you watch a short video. 3^rd, Scan the product bar code and it should tell you if the product is valid or not. 4^th, After paying for your purchase, scan your receipt. Then lastly the most awaited step of all, the 5^th step, Get Cash through Pay Pal or Venmo! Short and simple, isn’t it? On top of that, Ibotta has bonuses. One of that perks is allowing you to earn money for referrals after they purchase something. One of my referrals bought milk and I got $5 cash back.

2.       Check Out 51- I love this app because of its simplicity. Every Thursday, they change their set of Cash Back offers. So you get a whole week to decide whether you need an apple, or a banana. And yes, like Ibotta, it saves you time, it gives you cash back instantly, and it sometimes lets you explore your options. The downside is, it takes a long time for you to accumulate money through this app and they won’t send your check until you reach $20 on your account. But hey, it’s still cash and let me tell you how rewarding it is to get a $20 check for shopping on products you need anyway. So if you think, this free app will help, download it for free. Here’s how it works: 1^st, Browse through their cash back offer. 2^nd, Scan your receipt after payment. Then lastly, 3^rd, Accumulate Cash on your account to cash out later. That’s it!

3.       Shopkick- Oh, the many possibilities of just visiting your favorite Walmart, Target, Best Buy or Sports Authority Stores. This free app is AMAZING because you don’t need to purchase anything at all. All you got to do is open the app and blue tooth when you enter the store. With open ears listen to the magical sound of “ting”, that’s when you know you get points for Starbucks or Target gift cards, etc. And while you’re at the store, you can scan items on their list and it will earn you 25 to 100 points towards the same rewards. Because of this app, I enjoyed treating friends at Starbucks without the guilt of splurging, my family gets to see free movies from Red box and my kids wears nice boots from a Target gift card. Now tell me other words for Shopkick other than amazing!

4.       Swagbucks- When you are an online shopper, you might as well, use Swagbucks. This app pays you for purchases online. You get gift cards from Amazon, Target, Starbucks, etc. Not only that, this also pays you for searching online (so instead of Google, I use this as my search engine), answering daily polls and watching videos. Who pays you for doing these? Only Swagbucks. And if you are bored, you can also answer some surveys but I don’t recommend this because it clouds my email with junk. Imagine finding yourself in a long layover, would you rather earn money watching videos and searching online than whine about the circumstances? Think about it!

5.       Shopmium- This is just the same as Checkout 51. Although, you get your money faster, it doesn’t have plenty of offers. So I just used this for the Glade Melt set I bought which I purchased because Ibotta and Checkout51 had the same offer at one time. All in all, I only paid $3 for that Glade Melt set at Sam’s: $5 cash from Ibotta + $5 cash from Checkout51 + $5 cash from Shopmium= $15 savings. Dear readers, I wish I could see your smiles.

6.       Walmart Savings Catcher- Please, don’t tell me, “you haven’t heard of this.”  If so, please listen to me: This app will get you money for shopping your typical groceries at Walmart. How? Simple! It will compare prices with the local competitors and if they find one at a lower price, it’ll get you back the difference. Now go and download this app for free.

I only have 6 apps for getting cash back but I know there are so many to choose from. There are apps for getting money while you do a task, while you exercise and some more. These are only my suggestions because it helps us tremendously.   Find some that fit your needs and work on it so you will be able to maximize the benefits they bring. Don’t forget to plan your shopping trip, write your budget goals and enjoy the process of saving money. Always keep God first in mind to guide you to your purpose in whatever you do. Please spread the word when you reap the benefits of this post. Let us inspire others so they too will find TREASURES in the MUNDANE.

From Clutter to Craigslist then Contentment (We Never Felt Poor)

From Clutter to Craigslist then Contentment (We Never Felt Poor)

If I tell you the amount of clutter in your house are worth some money, would that statement alone moves you to clean up? Perhaps or perhaps not but please don’t stop reading just yet. Let me share with you our beautiful past about clutter that enables us to provide more for our family.

A couple of years ago, with one amazing daughter to love, and a lot less opportunity for hubby to bring home the bacon, I was the only breadwinner.  We were living on the breadline. But the most amazing thing is we never felt poor. Everything we did back then was so much fun including finding money in extraordinary ways. I remember being pregnant and waited at Sam’s Club before they close to get free chicken. Then we had a feast over that free chicken with more love, conversation and rice. We were naive to a life of highfalutin extras but our simplicity gave us more joy and kept us living at the moment, grounded us and shaped our souls for who we really are and what we’re capable of doing.

 A bed before was such a luxury for us. And I didn't mean a-thousand-dollar bed but the one we bought from a garage sale for only 10 bucks. It was a sofa bed, stained and overused. And it was all we can afford. After inserting a bunch of flat cardboard boxes, my pregnant back felt like new again. It was a blessing to have that bed because we never forget that memory of having it every anniversary; it always reminded us how happy we were then. This was the beginning of our realization that some people’s clutter could be other’s treasure. Ours was the bed.

I have always been a neat freak and so is my husband. So when my husband was introduced to Craigslist, our obsession to clean up intensified. He was selling things like crazy that I was afraid I was next to be sold. Our house was already pristine and organized; he didn't have any avenue of profit there so he decided to try Garage Sales. There it opened plenty of possibilities to sell. It also added our awareness about the abundance of other people’s material possession that they can no longer use, so they’re selling it for way lower than the original. I understand strollers and car seats being sold. Since kids inevitably grow up, they might as well sell the kids’ stuff and make money out if it. Makes sense to me. But what confounded me is when there are plenty of surplus from a small household. A little desire here and there became an enormous waste. But I couldn't complain.  For us, those were like manna falling from heaven: sports cards, bicycles, vacuum cleaners, televisions, computer games name a few. As I recall, we were able to pocket at $500/week by selling items other people do not use.

Look in your closet, what have you not worn for months or years? Discover your basement, you might find hidden treasures of never-used toys. Rearrange your garage; you’ll be surprised that bicycle or scooter is now too small for your big boy. If you seek, you shall find. But first, if your house is a mess, I suggest cleaning up. Slowly but surely, you’ll get your goal of making money from an ordinary clutter. If you have no idea how to sell in Craigslist, stay-tuned for my next post as I talk about how to sell successfully in Craigslist…

Talk to you later and don’t ever forget, there’s always TREASURES in the MUNDANE!

Maria (Ehma) Porpio
 

Staying in Budget While Living Large, How We’ve Done It?

Staying in Budget While Living Large, How We've Done It?

Before my husband and I decided to live on one income so I can stay home with the kids, we were a little apprehensive. We had a plan. We formulated a household budget. We redefined our goals and even set our family’s mission and vision. How come nothing still feels certain it’s going to pull through?

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  

We sought Him and found discernment. Then it happened like it was just meant to be. I found my own niche and voice at home. My husband said he has never felt happier. I see my kids smile more often. How did we do it? I mean, really got to do it since I am definitely not the most disciplined creature on earth. I love to shop and give. I also don’t know much about money but I tried to the best of my ability to grasp any helpful information I can find to teach me about managing our finances. And here’s how we do it: (Some of it may or may not work for you but it will never hurt to try. And if you know of any tips that helped you pave the way to financial success, I would love to hear from you.)

1. Of course, we prayed and asked for Prudence.

-We could never have made it this far without God guiding us through. It was His plan all along so it happened. Seek Him first before anything else.

2. There is no “his way” or “my way”.

-Although we have different opinions about money, my husband and I agree on one thing, our priorities. We both understand that we can’t pay off the house ASAP if we don’t budget. Setting our priorities straight is a breath of fresh air. The kids noticed our positive demeanor and they welcomed the change with open hearts.

3.Good Budget app or Regular Envelopes

-This is a phone app that tracks our spending. Two of my good friends introduced this to me and I’m hooked. I like this better than the regular envelope system since there is transparency. My husband and I can both see how much money we have left in a month by checking online no matter where he travels. My daughter uses the envelope system since she only has 3 portions to allocate, The Give, The Save and The Spend.

4.CASH is not old school

-We used to worship the credit card rewards. We always paid every dollar off at the end of the month so we get fat rewards and not a single charge. We felt glorious for getting money from the credit card company instead of them getting money from us. That’s what we thought for a long time but NOT a good idea. As long as there is a card to swipe, our weekly grocery shopping always costs us more than the budgeted amount due to its convenience and accessibility. With CASH, no more money left, then no food to buy! So we are committed to only spend what we need.

5. Automate the Rest.

-What do we pay automatically? Savings, Investments and all other important monthly payments, like gas and electricity. I can’t tell you enough how much ease automating monthly bills can add ease to your life. No more hassle of check writing. No more extra charges for buying checks and stamps. No more sleepless nights of thinking, “Have I already sent the check?” And lastly, no more human errors, say for instance, writing the wrong amount in the check (Yes. Don’t be surprised. I did that before!). Most importantly, the savings and investments can absolutely be saved and invested. You know what I mean.

6. BULK and SCRATCH are keys.

-We buy almost everything in bulk: flour, rice, soy sauce, vinegar, apples, etc. Then I cook and freeze in bulk and from scratch: our pancake mix (which of course, a recipe we found from the internet) and all other cake mixes. Hungry children will never stay hungry in our household because they can always find their favorite meals to thaw and microwave if that day’s menu does not satisfy their cravings. I love feeding my family from the labor of my own hands. So, on my next project: homemade cleaning solution, detergent and some beauty blends. Let’s see how much more we can save.

7. GOODWILL is good… so good.

-My daughter carries herself well enough that nobody can tell her outfits are mostly from Goodwill.

8. Ibotta, Checkout 51, Shopmium, Swagbucks, Shopkick and Walmart Savings Catcher

-These are the apps I use to get cash back (on top of the coupons I gather) when I shop. There’s plenty to share so I’m writing another post just for this. I so love these apps! I was able to save cash for all my Christmas shopping, get free Starbucks (even treat friends in Starbucks, again for FREE), rent free movies from Red Box and get extra for eating out. So really, you don’t have to devoid yourself of any fun and entertainment just because you’re on budget.

9. Talking about free fun and entertainment, there’s a lot to think about

-When it’s close to the end of the month and we have more money left for groceries, we then order PIZZA and park our truck to watch kids or adults play baseball, kickball or whatever. The idea is for the kids to be able to have that feeling that they’re rooting for a team.

-Or hop on the truck to watch small planes take off.

-Ride a bike as we approach the beautiful sunset.

-Picnic close to the lake.

-Visit to the library.

-Talk about our day on our front yard.

10. We still write Checks for Church

-Since the kids are now giving a portion of their money (from their Give Envelope) to the church, we want them to see us giving our tithes so we use our checks for this reason. We want them to know the importance of giving back the glory and honor, love and sacrifice to God.

So there you got it! I have poured all the little things that make our world complete. When the word “budget” seems absurd and being frugal makes it feel paralyzing, think of it this way: without it, we can never have enough. Living large for us is not getting everything we want. It is in fact, what we already have: our kids, our spouses, our humble home, the little laughter and the amount of calming silence we share are more than enough.

Enjoy the journey of budgeting and don't forget to fill everything with love and laughter. God bless you more and more!

Love always,

Maria (Ehma) Porpio

The Joy of Spending a Bar of Kitkat

The Joy of Spending a Bar of Kitkat

-Chore Chart and Budget Envelopes-
(Adapted from the book of Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze, Smart Money, Smart Kids)

by Maria (Ehma) Porpio

When our family started the chore chart, the reward system and  the give-save-spend jars, my husband and I immediately noticed a positive difference. True that "discipline without love is child abuse" because as we see it, if we could have missed   teaching them about responsibility, we will never see young joyful faces who has the confidence to pay a kitkat in Target from their own hard-earned money. Giving a burden heavy enough for them to carry makes their hands full and their days busy to think of boredom and ungratefulness. As early as now, I pray that they get used to being hands-on individuals so when they're old enough to stand with their own feet, they will continue to appreciate the value of every dollar and the worth of every sweat. They will avoid the feeling of guilt in spending but embrace the confidence of working and recognize that everyday is a blessing.

Here is the link to know more about the book

https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/?ectid=gaw.publishing-smsk1&gclid=CjwKEAjwzqKiBRCAydTZzOLi9CISJACm3irWtTJ8IzkQV2EwRksWdy-lHEJ1KJ2XJTWw0RgnURKiPxoCkz7w_wcB

DIY: Tin Can Project

DIY: Tin Can Project

I love zero-expense days because we always get to do something fun aside from fattening our savings. Our household had cumulated more than a dozen tin cans so we decided it was time to tackle a project. We call this activity Saving Mother Earth because it allows us to salvage junk and make a treasure out of it. In addition, it inhibits us from buying stuff that ends up gathering dust and adding more junk to the planet.

XOXO,

Maria (Ehma) Porpio