Stock Swap

Retail = about $27; Carey's out of pocket = FREE

I so loved this event that my MOPS group did last week, that I had to share it with you! Anybody who's been couponing for any amount of time, knows how easy it is to find a great deal and stock up with 4 or 5 items. You'll use two or three and the rest will get pushed to the side. Or maybe it's a new product and you decide you don't really care for it, but now what do you do with it? Well, stock swap to the rescue!

The idea is for everybody to bring 10 items from their stockpile that they will not use. We each get to take turns "shopping" and then you go home with 10 things you will use! This is brilliant! I contributed things like canned blueberry pie filling and chicken stock...some of which moved from Tennessee with us. Don't worry, everything was still in date. Other moms brought things like swim diapers, air fresheners, pastas, canned goods, toothpaste and shampoo. I was thrilled to come home with cake batter, snacks and dressing.

I love how God works in this! I had planned to make cupcakes this coming week for my old CPA firm...you know it's a "fun" time of year for them and everybody could use a cupcake to make the day brighter. Well, I didn't have any mix at home and had planned to buy some, until two boxes showed up at the stock swap!

This year's stock swap held an extra huge bonus! One of the moms has just finished the baby food stage with her son, but had tons (and I do mean TONS) of baby food leftover. She brought it all and offered it to any moms in that stage. After checking the dates, it will still be good by the time our new little guy is ready for baby food, so we were able to bring some of that home as well. What a great treat! Thanks, JM!

Any of the items, including ample baby food, remaining at the end of the swap were contributed to the church's food pantry for them to distribute to families whenever needs arise. Thank you Jesus, for such a fun and practical way to provide for our families and be resourceful with what You've given us!