Christmas Parade

Tonight we went to the Christmas parade downtown. And anyone who knows me...KNOWS that I LOVE parades! It was only 30 minutes...which usually, I would think is too short...but in winter temperatures...30 minutes is plenty. We all bundled up in our winter coats, scarves, hats, and gloves. I made hot cocoa for all of us and we each took insulated mugs. It was nice...a small town feel to it. Several bands, floats, animals, etc. Nate scored lots of candycanes and such.

And I scored two coupons for FREE Howie Bread from Hungry Howies as they marched by.

Then I saw several gals from the place we get our hair cut walking by with their vehicle display and they handed Jamie two coupons for $7.99 haircuts! Woohoo!

Even at the parades, we were scoring coupons! And you KNOW this coupon queen was lovin' that!

Santa came at the end. Jamie told Nate to make sure he made "eye contact" with him, LOL! And as we rode home, Nate said, "Dad, did I make eye contact with Santa?" I assured him, "Yes Nate, I'm sure Santa saw you." LOL!

We had a great time...and now...I have to wait till MAY till my next parade! Ahh! How will I survive?!?! LOL!

Deck The Halls...and we're still not done!

Today was Thanksgiving and after our feast, I promised the boys we'd decorate. As you can see from the pics, at our house, it doesn't end with the tree. The picture above is my sparkly little snowmen that hang every year from our patio/deck slider doors. I got them at the Dollar Store YEARS ago and I thought they were just adorable.

These are one of my favorites. Mom gave me these many years ago. They are little heart shaped wreaths connected together with red ribbon. I always hang them from my dining room window. I think they're so cute!

And wouldn't it figure, I don't even have OUR stockings hung yet (or pictures of them)...but I have Oreo's hung and pictures taken! LOL!

This is also a door hanging that is special to me because my late Aunt Cindy gave it to me. When she gave it to us, it had all of our names on it (Jamie, Melody, and Evan)...but then along came Nate and I had to tack his name on there too, LOL!

This is my little teddy bear tree. Another "mom" creation. She has given me so many things over the years. She's so darn crafty and I appreciate all the things she's given me! As a matter of fact, I think she gave me that little set of Christmas coasters next to the tree too! LOL!

I can't believe I still remember where this little angel basket came from! I got this when I was teaching preschool at First Assembly Christian Daycare/Preschool from a little boy named Kyle. He gave it to me and it had little golden ornaments in it as well...and they are hanging on my tree still to this day!

The "Noel Train"...yep, you guessed it. I do believe mom gave me this too many years ago. I think it's so darn cute! I usually sit it in the downstairs bathroom on the sink, but this year it found it's way to the top of the tv in the family room.

No...the decorating doesn't end in the living room, the family room, the kitchen, or the dining room for that matter. In our house, it even extends to the bathroom. Yes...we have Christmas towels hanging up too!

These are a few little things sitting in the downstairs bathroom as well. More Christmas towels and some little glass trees that (you guessed it) mom gave to me a LONG time ago!

This little basket sits in the downstairs bathroom too. I don't remember where the basket came from. The little soaps are Avon if I remember right...super old, just decorative. If you picked one of the little wreath soaps up, you'd see there's little teeth marks in it. Nate thought it was "green chocolate" one year when he was about two years old and he tried to taste it, LOL! I love these towels because they have kitties on them and say, "Meowy Christmas".

This is my little elf bulletin board. A former daycare girl gave it to me. I like to hang it up now so I can tack up notes/reminders for my clients to see.

Mom gave me this little Santa basket as a gift one year. I use this for daycare too so that parents can drop schedule changes or notes to me in it.

This is part of my snowman collection that stays up all winter. The first little ceramic house has a snowman painted on it. Jill LeBlanc made if for me a long time ago. It's really darling. The next on is a candle holder that my mom painted. The next is a little sled with two snowmen sledding together. Then there's a cute sparkly snowman ornament. Followed by a snowman candy dish that my mom painted!

This is one of our end tables...just a few odds and ends...some Santa coasters, a Santa jar, my "kissy mice", and a snow globe.

This is the coffee table. Mom made the centerpiece (of course). I've collected several candles and candle holders over the years. Then there's a couple tealight candle holders (Santa and a reindeer) and several angel figures.

These are two of my favorite candy baskets...guess who made them? Yep, my momma! Too cute! Love my snowman coasters too!

This is pretty much "Snowman Corner", LOL! I strung lights in my croton plant and have a stack of hat boxes with snowmen on them. To the other side there's my snowman "board" that mom created out of a plank of wood...he's too cute! Then there's my plump little snowwoman...I love her! There's the cute little snowman "pillow" and a couple stuffed snowmen plush dolls too.

This is "MY" village...yes, it's small...but it's all I got. LOL! The boys, in so many words, told me last night that my village is "lame" compared to Geeg's. LOL! I said, "Well everything you see here, Geeg gave to us". They told me that ours is literally a "village"...and compared to Geeg's...well, her's is like "NEW YORK CITY" they told me. Yes, Geeg does have the ULTIMATE village that spans many rooms of her house. It is amazing!

I love this area in my windows...the two swags...well I'm sure you know who made them! She did an amazing job! I love the way they look in my windows. She gave me the reindeer too. I'm so blessed to have such a crafty and generous momma.

And finally...

The tree!

I love our tree. It just reminds me of a good old fashion tree. Each ornament represents something from our past together as a couple or family. We bought our Winnie The Pooh tree skirt back when Evan was born and had a Pooh nursery...we were quite the Pooh addicts back then, LOL! We have the "egg" ornament from our friends who are missionaries to Hungary. We have loads of ornaments both of the boys have made in school. We have an ornament from Geeg and Papa from pretty much every year since we got married. We have ornaments from our special friends Dave and Jenna. We have photo ornaments. Hand crafted ornaments. Detroit Lions ornaments. Kitty ornaments. Yes...each ornament on our tree is special. I've always loved "themed" trees...but I don't know if I'll ever do one. Our tree reflects so many special memories and times in our family's life. We still have a few more things to put up today...haven't hung the stockings and need to put up a few things outdoors...here's to good weather! We hope you have a very blessed, healthy, and enjoyable holiday season!

We are blessed.

Today is Thanksgiving. We stayed home this year...just the four of us...and enjoyed a quiet day together. Jamie did nearly ALL of the cooking (woohoo!). I think the only thing he didn't do was the mashed potatoes...which I made from scratch...and the chocolate cream pie...which I also made from scratch. We just got a turkey breast, which was the perfect size for the four of us...and we only like white meat anyway. Jamie basted and injected it with garlic butter and it was delicious!

Here are the boys getting ready for their feast!

After dinner, Jamie settled in for some football and the boys and I played a few games.

They're starting to get a little ancy because I promisde them that today we'd put up the Christmas tree and all of our decorations.

Ok...let's face it...not "a little" ancy...ALOT ancy. But anywho...we had a great Thanksgiving. I am very grateful for my family and so very blessed. Look for Christmas tree pictures...coming soon!

Teeth grinding...eeek!

So...Nate's a "tooth grinder". Or in the dental field they refer to it as "bruxism" if I'm not mistaken.

He's been doing it for some time now. I suspected it quite some time ago because he used to have the sharpest, pointiest little incisors in his mouth...and slowly they just became flat little "nubs"!

I talked to the dentist about it and sure enough, she confirmed my suspitions. He is definitely a tooth grinder at night.

I've never heard him...thankfully...eeek!

I have been told by my former college roommate and friend Melissa, that I too used to grind my teeth in my sleep. She used to wake me up and say, "STOP"!

Thankfully, Jamie says he doesn't hear me do it anymore.

So, we decided that a mouth guard would be the route to go since he is starting to get lots of permanent teeth in. She said they don't worry about it too much when they only have baby teeth, but since he was putting so much wear on the baby teeth, we don't want to chance damaging his permanent ones.

So...that leads us to NOW.

He is on his THIRD mouth guard.

The kid grinds so much and so hard that he has worn through two already and he's on his third.

Holy moly.

Thankfully they're fairly inexpensive (around $17.99 at WalMart for a two pack). They're supposed to last 6 months per guard. But I think Nate wore through his first one in 2 weeks (although we may have molded it wrong) and the second one in three months!

We are hoping he grows out of this soon...because even at $17.99 per two pack...that's quite an investment!

They're fairly easy to mold...just dip them into boiling water to soften them and have them bite into it to get an impression of their teeth.

He adjusted really well to sleeping with it, which I was worried about.

But here's to hoping he outgrows this issue soon...that sound...EEEEEEK!!!

Random silliness w/ my boys...

Those crazy silly boys...

So we're in the car and we've been TRYING to find Nate the right mouth guard for his night time "teeth grinding" problem. (Another story.)

So Evan says, "You know Nate, not only is grinding your teeth at night bad, you CRUNCH those lollipops so hard!"

Nate replies, "I'm not supposed to?"

Evan replies, "They're called "SUCKERS" not "CRUNCHERS"!!!

LOL!

I had to laugh.

I know, it sounds goofy. But if you'd have heard the conversation at the time, it just sounded so funny. They were half serious, half silly with each other. It just struck me funny at the time. Forgive me for finding my boys utterly adorable, LOL!

My little "deer"

My "deer" little Nate...
Nate was telling us that his teacher Mrs. B told the class that on the last day before each break/holiday they would have "fun time" in the afternoon.
This particular Friday before Thanksgiving week break, they spent the afternoon making Native American crafts that they had been studying about.
Nate chose two. He chose the "deer" headband (my little deer) and a wigwam that he crafted out of a coffee filter and some paper (pretty cute).
He was very proud and excited so I promised I'd take a picture and share with our friends and family. I think he looks pretty darn cute! :)

Taco Casserole

I always love sharing a recipe when our family finds a new one that we fall in love with. I think I've shared with you before that Jamie and I find many new recipes in the newspaper. This one is now an all time favorite...we hope you like it too!

Taco Casserole

1 lb ground beef

1 package taco seasoning mix

1/3 c. chopped onion

1 c. water

1 package (8 oz.) crescent roll dough

2 c. crushed Doritos

1 c. sour cream

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation:

In skillet, brown ground beef and onions over medium heat, breaking up meat into small chunks. Drain fat. To the browned meat, add water and taco seasoning mix. Simmer about 5 minutes.

Do no separate crescent rolls. Place dough on bottom of a greased 9X11 baking dish, pressing dough to fit. Spread with 1 c. crushed Doritos, then cover with meat mixture. Spread sour cream over meat mixture. Top with shredded cheese and remaining crushed Doritos.

Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

Awesome Crocs deal going on!

Crocs has a fantastic deal on their sports team logo Beach and Cayman style shoes this week.

They’re priced at just $9.99, but you can score an additional 10% off plus FREE shipping with the code customerloyalty09 making each paid only $9 including shipping!

They currently have both adult and children’s sizes with a variety of NFL, MLB, and college logos on them. Just scroll down and click on Deal of the Week to see what’s available.

http://www.crocs.com/home/homepage,default,pg.html

This is me...

I chose this picture the other night because I was going to write this post as I was feeling rather sad...thus the downcast eyes.

But the more I thought about it...I changed my mind.

I had a bit of an epiphany...big word for me, I know...LOL.

Many times I feel bad because I feel I am not "pleasing" others or living up to their expectations, or doing what THEY want from me.

The little revelation I had tonight was...

It's not my fault how others feel.

YOU choose how you feel.

I am what I am.

I'm not going to change the way I am.

I will always work on improving things in my life.

But what ya see is what ya get.

I am first and foremost a wife and mother...full time.

I own my own business and work (MORE THAN) full time.
We try to keep up with all the boys school and church events...sports, activities, events, campouts, and more.
And yet...I still feel bad at times...alot of times...because I'm not making everyone happy and meeting their expectations.
You know what?
It's not my job to make people happy!
As the saying goes..."You can please all of the people some of the time, you can please some of the people all the the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time."
I am trying really hard to live my life by that saying.
I am not responsible for how people choose to feel.
If people choose to feel anger, hurt, regret, etc...that is a choice.
Life is too short.
We need to accept people how they are.
We can't change them.
We like it, or lump it.
If we want those people in our life...we better choose to just accept it and move on.
I have walked over hot coals for much of my life trying to make people happy, yet who ends up unhappy? Me.
This is me.
This is who I am.
I am a wife.
I am a mom.
I am a business owner.
I am a christian.
I am not a good housekeeper.
I enjoy baking...and can follow recipes...but I'm no chef.
I wreck a lot of clothes in the laundry.
I am addicted to make-up.
I "claim" to be a scrapper and stamper...but I make no time to do it.
I am obsessed and so in love with my husband and two sons.
I will always have a cat in my life.
I am addicted to reality tv.
I hate mornings.
I love decorating for holidays.
I hate exercising.
I am obsessed with potato chips.
I hate gossip.
I don't like being ignored.
I like giving and receiving compliments.
I am afraid of the dark.
I hate flying.
I love all things girly and feminine.
If I didn't work full time, I would have had a larger family...possibly four children.
I don't like being bossed around.
I like being asked my opinion.
I have always felt like a "black sheep"...period.
There's more...
But this is a lot of me...in a nutshell.
It's who I am.
I will never be perfect.
But God made me...so you can take that up with Him if you don't like me of get mad at me, LOL!
Life's short...
Don't harbor anger or hurt at others.
Let's have fun.
I know I'm gonna try!

Family time

Yesterday we had a long over-due family day. Waaaaay too much computer time, video games, and tv had been going on. I had been thinking about it and hashing it over in my mind...that we really needed to turn it all off and spend some quality time together.

We played games...Rack-O is a long time favorite. Jamie and I played it countless times when we were engaged and early married. Now the boys love it as well.

I took the boys for a walk. Nothing gets conversation going better than when there's nothing else to do but...walk...and talk.

We ended up walking around the corner to McDonalds and I let them get dollar sundaes. Again...more fun conversation. And no bickering or fighting.

We had a day full of yummy food too. Nothing like good eats to round out a day of fun...pizza, popcorn, chips and dip...and of course the boys had their sundaes. Jamie and I enjoyed McCafes instead.

After making sure all homework was done, backpacks were packed, and everything was signed...we watched The Amazing Race...a new favorite of all of ours.

It was nothing major...and the boys didn't know I planned it...but I was proud that I managed to at least to get them "unplugged" for a while and spend some time as a family.

I think we need to do this again...soon...

Wonderful Walgreens!

I have to say...that in the past eleven months, I have become quite the fan of Walgreens. I never used to shop there because I considered them to be "expensive". I always thought they had quite the "mark-up" on most items. And on many things, they do. But some things are quite reasonable. AND...if you learn to coupon, bargain shop from the sale flyer, and use Register Rewards...you can come away with some real steals!!! I even have to LIMIT myself some weeks, LOL!

Today Nate and I ventured out and got some real bargains...

I did two transactions so I could turn right around and use my Register Rewards asap.

First...

Ricola cough drops...regular $2.79...on sale for $1.00...Register Reward $1.00...FREE!

Aussie Sprunch...regular $3.99...on sale for $2.99...used a $1.00 coupon making it $1.99...got a $2.00 Register Reward...essentially making it FREE plus one penny overage! :)

Next transaction...

First off, I have been saying for the longest time, "WE NEED A NAIL BRUSH"...with two messy boys...they really need a nail brush to scrub up most days. So as I went to the health and beauty aids, I noticed they had a Buy 1, Get 1 @ 50% off on their Studio 35 line. So I got a nail brush for $2.99 (not bad) and I decided to "treat" myself to a luxury...something I have always wanted to try. And most of you who know me as the "diva"... or "princess" as a few others call me (I'm not really...ok, so I'm a little prissy)...you will not believe it when I tell you that I have NEVER owned or even TRIED an eyelash curler. Well, I decided it was high time. My lashes are soooo wimpy, sparse, and fair. But that's another post, I'll let ya know how it turns out, LOL! Anywho...so I got it half off...for $1.50. Woohoo!

Next on the agenda...Evan's and my favorite...Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice. We don't buy it frequently...usually only for New Year's Eve ( or Ev's b-day)...regular $3.79...on sale for $2.50. Stocking that away for the holiday!

Betty Crocker boxed potatoes...regular $2.29...on sale for 99 cents...used a 40 cent man. coupon...paid 59 cents...got two.

Stove Top Stuffing...regular $2.29...on sale for 99 cents...got two to stock up for Turkey Day!

Goldfish Crackers...on sale for $1.50...used a 75 cent man. coupon...paid 75 cents...grabbed two.

French's french fried onions...regular $1.99...on sale for 99 cents...used a 75 cent coupon...paid 24 cents!

Paper plates...regular $1.79...on sale for 89 cents...grabbed two.

My final tallies...

Spent: $14.27

Saved: $21.13

I answer only to God

"It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do,
for which we are accountable."
Moliere


Parenting doesn't come with a manual...even if it did, I doubt I would follow it. When we decide to bring a child into the world, we are required to do our best to ensure that our children are safe and healthy...not to mention a long list of other things.

Something that I struggle with on a daily basis is hearing other people's input on my parenting.

For some reason, other people feel they have the right to "let me know" HOW I parent my child.

I know that my child won't always agree with the decisions I make for him...and I really don't care...because that's just part of growing up. He will learn as he grows and matures that every decision I made for him was based on his well-being, health, and safety.

What really irks me though, is all the people that feel the need to "let me know" that "it's ok for them to do that", "they'll be fine", "I'll keep an eye on them, don't worry", "you should let them do it", "what's it gonna hurt" and all the other lines I hear.

First an foremost...
I AM ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD FOR THIS CHILD THAT I BROUGHT INTO THE WORLD.
If I make unintelligent, uninformed, stupid decisions that affect my child in a negative way...I am accountable to God.
That is why we should pray about our parenting decisions and not listen to all those who feel the need to "let us know" their input on our parenting decisions.

Please, let me pray about it and decide.

We should NEVER gossip, talk about, tear down, or belittle someone on their decisions when they feel they are making the best possible choice for their child's well-being.
Here's a thought...
Don't interfere.
It's hard.
I know.
Especially in the field I work in...I see parenting choices every day where I just cringe...but ya know what...if that child is loved, nurtured, and taken care of...IT'S NONE OF MY BUSINESS...whether I agree with them or not. I have to butt out.

We all need to take a lesson in that.
But sometimes people just feel the need to "let us know" and give their input.

Sometimes I make a parenting choice that I feel is best for my child. They don't like it. Other people in my life may think it's silly or dumb because I made that choice. But again...I am answering to God. I will always make the best choice I can to keep my child safe and healthy.

Can he take risks...sure.
But he needs to be "taught" that in life, we have to weigh and calculate risks.
And "I" as his parent have to be the judge of "do I feel he's READY to weigh the risks"...and "do I feel he's mature enough to make good solid decisions".
We can't just do things because "everyone else is".
Sometimes I think people want to drag others along in situations so that they feel validated in the choices they make for their children/family.
I'm sorry.
I don't do that.
I won't give in to that pressure.
I answer to God for the choice I make.

Who do YOU answer to?


"Accountability breeds response-ability."
Stephen R. Covey

FamilyFare and Meijer bargains

I had some really great shopping trips this week and stocked up on a lot of necessities.

First we'll start at Family Fare...


They had certain promotional items listed in their weekly flyer, and if you purchases ten of them they would give you $5.00 off your entire bill. So I looked for some items that we needed.


My boys LOVE Velveeta Shells and Cheese and it makes a quick dinner on Wednesday night before church for them. Family Fare has them regularly priced at $2.19, which I know is high, but on sale for $1.69. Walmart carries them for $1.50. But with this sale/promo going on, I was able to get them for $1.19 a box. Not bad! I grabbed six!


To round out my ten items I stocked up on Maxwell House coffee which is regular $4.99 a can (again high) but it was on sale for $2.49. By purchasing four and rounding out my ten items I was able to get it down to $1.99. BUT!!!...I also had coupons for Save $1.00 on two...so I used two of those and got the final price down to $1.49 a can! So we're set on coffee for a while!


They also had Spartan butter regular $2.99 on sale for $1.69 so I grabbed one of those too.

My final tally was:
Spent: $14.79
Saved: $21.03

Saved more than I spent...now that's the way to shop!


Next came my trip to Meijer...

They had the Bic Soleil Razors Buy a razor get a refill blade pack FREE. So priced at $6.99 for the razor I used a $2.00 coupon and took it down to $4.99. When you divide the price by the two it's like getting them for less than $2.50 each!

Campbells gravy...regular $1.25 a can...on sale for 50 cents a can...used a 50 cents off four coupon and got them for just over 37 cents a can.

Betty Crocker frosting...regular $1.92...on sale for $1.49...use a 50 cent man. coupon on each and pair it with a Meijer Meal Box coupon for Save $1.00 on four...and get them for 74 cents each!

Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes...regular $1.87 a piece...on sale for $1.79...use a man. coupon for 40 cents off each one...pair it with a Meijer Meal Box coupon for $1.00 off two...and pay only 89 cents a piece.

Pillsbury Strudels...regular $2.08...on sale for $1.99...use a $1.00 coupon...pay 99 cents.

Yoplait Delights...regular $2.50...on sale for $1.99...use a $1.00 coupon...pay 99 cents.

Bob Evans sausage rolls...regular $3.89...on sale for $1.99...use a 35 cent coupon...pay only $1.64.

Those were the best of the best this week.
My totals at Meijer were:
Spent: $53.11
Saved: $41.36
Not bad!

Ok, lesson learned...the hard way...

Ok, so for "ME"...I've really jumped on alot of the technology bandwagon...

I'd rather e-mail than talk on the phone...

I blog...

I'm on facebook...

I'm on myspace...

I'm on cafemom...

I'm part of a childcare providers forum/support group...

I have a webiste for my business...

Whoa...back it up right there...

The website.

That's where it all happened.

I have "MOST" of my website saved on backup of some kind...

Be it a paper copy, a file in my computer, even some things in my photobucket! LOL!

But...

A while back, our computer crashed.

We were able to get it fixed.

BUT...

We lost everything on it.

Well...

I survived because everything was saved either on my website, my photobucket, or on paper.

WELL...

NOW...

It's my WEBSITE that's down!

I just realized, there are a FEW things I never did save on backup after the computer crash.

I was in a panic.

I couldn't log onto my site.

I couldn't get into the server's site at all to ask questions.

I found their phone number through a friend but their line was busy.

LUCKILY...

I found their fan page on FACEBOOK!

HOORAY for FACEBOOK!!!

Once again, facebook to the rescue!

So...

I was able to become a "fan" and find out what was going on...after much panic.

There was a message posted that EVERYONE was having this same problem.

It was HUGE problem going on with their site, and to make a long story short, they are working on fixing it right now.

So...

Just as I was about to give up and leave the world of technology, LOL (not really)...I find out it's all gonna be ok.

Guess what I'll be doing tonight?

Yup...you guessed it...

Saving EVERYTHING on some form of backup!

Lesson learned...the hard way!

Invasion of the ladybugs!

So, we've been having this fantastic weather lately...
It's beautiful.
It's warm...almost too warm...in my opinion...for fall.
We're getting these 60-70 degree days...IN MICHIGAN no less.
Crazy, isn't it!
Anyway...
With it...
We're getting this whole new "hatching" of ladybugs.
And it's not the pretty little red ones.
It's the ugly oranges one.
And it's not just a few.
They're EVERYWHERE!
And I'm not exaggerating.
They are literally everywhere.
They are all over the outside of the house.
They're on the plants.
They're on the dumpster.
They're on the outdoor toys.
You can't even walk in the house without doing a "ladybug check" as Jamie calls it.
We do have one thing going for us.
Oreo (our cat) is really good at killing them.
Me?
I just scoop them up and toss them back outside...I let them live.
Jamie thinks that defeats the purpose because they'll just come back in.
But, I have a hard time killing a non-biting, non-offensive bug.
Plus...
They're not THAT bad to look at.
They're not as cute as the red ones.
But they're not bad.
They're just kindof a pain because...
THEY'RE EVERYWHERE.
No matter how non-offensive...ya just don't want bugs in your house.
Or at least, we don't.
But I guess we should stop complaining...soon the cold, bitter, frigid weather along with the snow will be here in all it's glory.
So...I guess I'll deal with the ladybugs...for now.

Savings at Walgreens this week...

I had a great week of savings at Walgreens this week!

Not only were my savings good...but I had a $6.00 Register Reward from last week that I got to combine with it all...yippee!

Some of my favorite bargains were...

Rimmell make-up was on sale for Buy 1, Get 1 FREE. So I had a $2.00 off coupon for mascara and used that on some $6.99 mascara taking it down to $4.99...got a $5.29 eyeshadow quad for FREE! So basically I paid $2.50 per...

I did the same with some Cover Girl lip color. It was Buy 1, Get 1 FREE. I had a coupon for Save $2.50 on two (which they let me apply to the free item)...so I got some lip gloss for $5.99...applied the $2.50 coupon...taking it down to$3.49...and because the other gloss which was $5.99 was FREE...I got BOTH for $3.49...or in other words $1.75 a piece!

All of their Encore spices which are regular 99 cents...I paired with Walgreens coupons and got them for 50 cents...nabbed six of those.

Got four boxes of Royal chocolate pudding for 25 cents a piece.

Jiffy muffin mixes were couponed at 50 cents.

Halls cough drops...regular $2.59...on sale for 99 cents...I used a Save $1.00 on two coupon and basically got them for 50 cents each.

Those were the best of the best...
Oh!
I also used my $6.00 Register Reward on Nate's Zyrtec ($9.99) so I got that for $3.99.
And I hit another coupon deal I was unaware of that the cashier pointed out to me...spend $25.00 and get $5.00 off your total purchase! Awesome!

My tallies were:
Spent $22.19
Saved $33.44

YES!

What happend to Christmas?

As the countdown begins till Christmas...
I sat down today and ordered my photo cards online...
I started thinking about the upcoming holiday...
And I started stressing.
I felt a wave a nausea.
I felt panic.
Why, you may ask would I feel this way about our Christ-child's birth?
A time of family gatherings...
A time of giving...
A time of delicious food...
A time of decorating...
A time of beautiful festive music...
Why???
Because I started to think about every Christmas of my adult life years past.
The older I get, the more stressful Christmas becomes to me.
Not so much in MY immediate home...I do have to say the four of us do really well around the holidays having fun, yet holding on to the true meaning of the holiday.
But...
As I hear...
"I need a list..."
"How much are we spending..."
"What do you want..."
"I need to return this..."
"I want..."
"This isn't what I wanted..."
"You bring the ____..."
"Be here at ____o'clock..."
"We're doing this..."
"I need you to..."
I start to feel a shear sense of overwhelming stress...so much so that I just want to scream "Enough!"
What is the meaning of "gift"?
Webster's Dictionary states that a gift is:
"anything voluntarily transferred from one person to another without compensation; a present; an offering"
It doesn't say anything about asking the person WHAT they want. It's not a requirement.
Back in the day...
People used to give gifts to one another out of the kindness of their heart.
You would see something...think about a person...it might remind you of that person...and you would pick it up for them.
It was a "gift" out of the kindness of their heart because they "handpicked" it for you with their HEART.
Now...
"I need your list..."
"How much is the spending limit..."
"Let's draw names..."
Honestly...most of us as Americans have everything we need...and then some.
The concept of exchanging gift cards and cash...honestly...where is the thought in that?
Have I done it?
Guilty! You bet I have!
Do I like it?
No. I'm not to proud about it.
I have gotten to the point where I would almost rather set a monetary amount, ask the person I'm "giving" to what is their favorite "cause" and make a donation in their honor. To me, that is awesome. We as Americans have so much "stuff".
I'm not talking about giving up the fun of Christmas morning with our children opening presents and their stockings.
But all the other people in our life where giving has almost become another item on our "to do list" because once again, the calendar has rolled around and I think, "What in the world am I going to get _____? They have everything!"
Please don't take this post the wrong way...
I LOVE PRESENTS!!!
I LOVE GIVING GIFTS TO OTHERS!!!
I AM A VERY GENEROUS PERSON!!!
But I really feel there is too much pressure to find the perfect gift...there shouldn't be "expectations".
Maybe instead of returning that ugly holiday sweater Aunt Margaret got you, you should put it in your closet and then pull it out and wear it when she comes to visit. She bought it out of the goodness of her heart.
Maybe instead of taking back that tacky picture frame cousin Lulu got you, you put her picture in it and set it out when she comes to visit. She loved you enough to buy it for you.
When the wisemen brought gifts to Jesus...they didn't ask Mary and Joseph, "What's our spending limit this year?" "Does he like the color blue?" No, they brought gifts out of the goodness of their hearts for the King.
So as we go into the holiday season...maybe we should all stop stressing over what to buy for who...and is it the perfect gift?
Maybe we shouldn't be rushing around so much because "WE HAVE TO BE THERE BY 7PM!" We'll be there when we can...
Maybe we shouldn't care about having the best decorated house on the block, we should have fun as a family spending time together making our home festive.
Maybe we don't bake 15 different types of fancy cookies, but we make our kids two favorites and let them help.
Maybe instead of squeezing in this outing, that activity, their party, and all the other "fluff"...we just sit down with the fam...visit, eat, and enjoy each other's company.
Maybe we just say...
"CHILL...it's all good..."
Because in the end...
Most people won't even remember what you got them last year...I know I don't...what I do remember is the fun and memories I have with my children and husband!
How about you?

Mixed-up, mumble-jumbled, mess...that's me...

Sometimes I long for freedom...
But I need to feel taken care of...

Sometimes I feel bossed around...
But I need direction...

Sometimes I get tired of pleasing other people...
But usually joy is brought to me when I do for others...

Sometimes I just want my space...
But usually I get lonely...

Sometimes I just want change...
But usually change scares me...

Sometimes I want to be more outgoing...
But usually I realize my quiet, laid-back personality is what draws the people I really treasure to me...

Sometimes I wish I could tell others how I really feel...
But many times it would lead to either hurt or regret...

Sometimes I wish I could change my past...
But they say that's what shapes your future...and who you are today...

Sometimes I wonder about the past...the "what ifs..."
But I realize I can't change them...and all I can do is live in the present...

Sometimes I wonder...
Am I the best I can be?
Mom?
Wife?
Childcare provider?
Homemaker?
Friend?
Child of God?

I don't know...
I do know I am constantly flooded with doubts on all counts some days...
Then there are other days when one of my children makes a choice that I am so proud of, a friend thanks me for just being there, a client thanks me for being that important constant in their child's life, etc. etc. etc...and I think, maybe I am doing something right.

(sigh)

Halloween 2009

We had a nice Halloween this year. It was a bit chilly...with a threat of rain...but it turned out nice.

Evan was the grim reaper, Nate was a pirate, and I was a pirate as well.

Jamie took the boys out trick-or-treating as usual...and I had door duty, handing out candy.

We went out for dinner before trick-or-treat to On The Border and had a nice meal before they went out.

The weather ended up cooperating and the boys got quite a load of treats. Another successful year. :)

Nate's 3rd grade Halloween Parade

Friday Nate had his Halloween party and parade at school.

And as luck would have it...it rained...but the show must go on...so they had the parade in the gym.

In all the years I've gone to the parade...five years for Evan...three years for Nate...it has never rained! This was a first.

It didn't put a damper on anyone's spirits though.

It was still a grand time.

I always love seeing all the kids dressed up.

Only two more years of all this fun at Lincoln...and then I'm done with the elementary years!

Oh my gosh!

TWO MORE YEARS???

NOOOOO!!!

I can't think about that yet...

Let's just concentrate on third grade for now and enjoy the rest of these elementary years while we have them!

Happy Halloween Natee!!!