Matthew 6:27

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life"
Matthew 6:27

After sharing with a friend of mine and talking about life...it just so happened that THIS was her daily devotional for today and she asked me to read it.

It applied so much to my life and I am trying REALLY hard to give my worries to God.

I'd like to share Christina's post with you...hopefully it will bless you as it blessed me!


http://momsbabypooh.blogspot.com/p/daily-devotions.html

My children...

Through all the ups and downs we moms may face...
I have come to learn...
That NOTHING...
And NO ONE...
Can separate the bond between mother and child.
Friendships can be broken.
Relationships can falter.
But what a mother and child share...
Is FOREVER.
Our "babies" are always our "babies".
And that is an unconditional love that never fails.
Even past the times they are proud to call us mommy.
Even past the times they need us.
Even when they are embarrassed of us.
Even when they get irritated with us.
They love us forever...
Like no other.
Motherhood is the BEST thing a woman can experience.
There is no great bond than the love between mother and child.
Ever.
When everyone else disapoints you...
Your children are there for you.
Even if they're in the "tough" years...
They see what you're going through...
And know when you need a hug.
Even if they don't know "why"...
They somehow know.
And are there with open arms.
I love you Evan Brice and Nathan Parker.
You are my world.
I am so thankful you are my children.

Quote for the day...

As William Shakespeare said..."Love all...trust a few..."

VERY FEW.

I think that's what it boils down to.

Period.

There just REALLY isn't ANYONE left that you can TRUELY trust.

Even those you THINK you know best.

There comes a time when even THEY will disapoint you.

And it hurts.

Really bad.

And ya know...

You learn...

Even when they "try" to tell you "something"...

"To make you feel better"...

The truth of the matter is...

Honestly...

They just don't care...

Because the vast majority of people are guided by THEIR feelings and emotions.

They're not looking out for the best interest of what they're/you're vested in.

And it hurts.

Because you thought you knew them better.

You thought THEY were one of the ONLY ones left in the world...

But you are left with sadness.

Family.

Friends.

Spouses.

Business associates.

Neighbors.

Acquaintences.

They all do it.

And you feel so naive.

Because over and over again...

All your life...

You keep telling yourself...

"I'm not opening myself up for this again."

But you do.

And it happens again.

So...

You cry...

And deal...

And the cycle begins all over again.

With all the people in your life.

Family.

Friends.

Spouses.

Business associates.

Neighbors.

Acquaintences.

Here ya go agin...

Pass the tissues...

How did this happen?

When did I get old enough to have a son starting high school in the fall?
Evan had high school visitation yesterday at East...oh...my...gosh.
How can I be this old?
I remember being in high school!
Please tell me I don't look old enough for this momentous occasion!
Sheesh.
When he was a baby...that's all I pictured...a baby.
I never thought about him growing up.
Truely...I never did.
I've pretty much taken one day at a time since he was born.
Never looked to the future.
But wow.
High school.
I'm so proud of him.
He's so awesome.
So smart (when he tries, LOL!).
So handsome.
So caring.
So talented.
I love him so much.
He informed us he wants to continue his Cross Country passion.
He signed up for that while he was there.
So I guess new running shoes are in order for the summer to practice in.
And we were also informed that the lunches there..."are so awesome". LOL!
Then there's Nate.
Seems he's been my little guy...
Forever.
LOL!
Feels like Evan's life is just whizzing by!
Nate...well...he's in third grade...still...LOL!
Just kidding.
I wouldn't rush it or trade it for the world, LOL!
I have so much fun with my Natee.
He lives to be outdoors.
He runs and plays.
He talks...and talks...and talks...and talks...
Till he wears us out.
Yeah.
He's my "momma's boy".
I am so happy.
So proud.
So incredibly in love with my boys.
And my man.
Whom I wouldn't be who I am today without.
(Thank-you Monica.)
I can't imagine my life with anyone else.
Through all the ups and downs...highs and lows...
We have stood strong as a family.
Tight.
Together.
Forever.
Complete.

More savings...

I cleaned house at Walgreens today!

A lot of my items were completely FREE once the Register Rewards came into play...plus I had LOADS to use from last week on this week's tab! Woohoo!

The freebies this week...

Plackers...$2.00...$2.00 RR...FREE.

Skintimate...$2.99...$2.99 RR...FREE.

Scotch packaging tape...$3.49...W coupon 99 cents...$1.00 coupon...FREE.

Stayfree...$2.99...$2.99 RR...$1.00 man. coupon...FREE PLUS $1.00 overage!

I won't name everything...but my tallies this week were:

Spent: $42.08

Saved: $57.24

Can you believe that?...$99.32 worth of merchandise for $42.08??? AMAZING!

I forgot to share my second Meijer trip this past week as well...my final tally with the Super Friday/Saturday Sale was:

Spent: $15.32

Saved: $23.80

How awesome is that! Now...to rearrange my pantry...

And they lived happily ever after...

This is all I want.

To live my life...

Happily Ever After.

I don't need earth-shattering wonderful things to happen.

And I don't want tragic life-altering things to happen either.

I just want to live life...

Happily Ever After.

To grow old with my husband.

To watch my boys grow up healthy and happy.

Happily Ever After.

I'm looking forward to...

This weekend...
I'm looking forward to...

Couponing during the Super Friday/Saturday Sale at Meijer...

Sleeping in on Saturday morning...

Snuggling in bed with my hubby...

Enjoying the rain...(they say it's coming!)...

Great worship music at church...

Good tv...

Working in the yard...

It's the little things that make me happy...

Soooo behind on my coupon ramblings...

So yeah...I used to always do so good sharing all my latest bargains and freebies. But lately...I've gotten lazy. I haven't been posting the best of the best items. But I've still be couponing. I've had some "decent" trips to Meijer...but nothing spectacular. I'm really disappointed with their sales and Meijer Meal Box coupons lately. They're really letting me down. But here's at least some of my tallies:

4/08/10

Spent: $19.02

Saved: $30.86

4/13/10

Spent: $72.38 (BAD!!! HORRIBLE TRIP!)

Saved: $46.62 (This trip nearly made my sick to my stomach! YUCK!)

4/19/10

Spent: $59.37

Saved: $31.64

See what I mean? It's kinda been all over the place! I sometimes wonder if they're "on to us couponers"! LOL! There really haven't been that many good match-ups! If I'm not saving at least as much as I spend...I am NOT a happy camper!

Walgreens on the flip side has been pretty consistent with all their bargains.

4/11/10

Spent: $14.92

Saved: $23.05

4/18/10

Spent: $30.65

Saved: $33.14

Not too shabby at Walgreens! Pretty much always save as much or MORE than I spend! Woohoo!

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday...
I am thankful for...

Good music

Flavored Lemonades (Strawberry, Cherry, Mango, Kiwi)

Kisses/hugs

Flying kites

Dragonflies

The smell of swimming pools

Lipgloss

Mexican food

Hairspray

The warmth of fireplaces (wish I had one)

Funnel cakes

High heels

Autumn

When the scale moves...down...

My babies...

The more I work with other people's children...

The more I am thankful for the sons God has given us personally.

Our boys are so laid back...so easy...respectful...mild-mannered...obedient...kind...gentle...GOOD.

They are not perfect by ANY means.

They argue...they get sassy...they whine...they're messy.

But we have guided them as they've grown...and I think for the most part, they are turning out to be wonderful young men.

As I work with more and more children...

I would be MORTIFIED if I EVER found out that MY children were acting the way these kids do now!

We can't TOTALLY blame the kids themself.

Parenting plays a HUGE role in how children turn out.

I think so many kids are gone all day to daycare, school, programs, activities, sports, etc...that when the parents finally "get them"...they just give in to anything and everything to avoid meltdowns.

Well...I don't play that game.

I don't believe in tantrums.

I don't believe in mistreating others.

I don't believe in mistreating other people's property.

I know all kids have bad days.

I know they get over-tired.

I know they get over-stimulated.

I know they get cranky.

But I also have been in this field long enough to get a good handle on the child's general disposition after working with them for a certain amount of time.

It just amazes me the way some of these kids act.

I truely wonder what happens when they go to school.

I truely wonder what will happen when they are adults.

Heaven help us.

(shaking head)

Shh, confession...I have a little obsession...

No...these aren't my feet.

But I have a little confession.

I have this little obsession with feet.

I think it all started the day nearly twenty years ago in college, when my roommate said to me, "You have really cute feet. Not many people can say they have pretty feet."

LOL!!!

At the time it totally struck me funny.

Gee thanks.

Of all the things a girl wants to be complimented on...

My feet?!?

Well...she got me thinking...

And looking...

My feet are decent looking, LOL!

I have this thing now.

I CAN NOT STAND feet that are not well manicured.

When I see women wearing sandals or flip flops and they have dirty feet, dry/cracked feet, unpolished toenails, or worse yet...chipped nail polish...

YUCK!

I KNOW!

It's so vain!

Slap me!

And then...

This is really wrong of me...

People can't even help this part...
But when I see "funny" feet...

...Odd shaped feet...

Heaven help me...

Lord forgive me...

It just weirds me out!

I know that's terrible!

I'm awful!

But I just have this "THING"!

I'm just obsessed with pretty feet! LOL!

I know you can't help it if you have "funny" feet...

But for crying out loud...

Paint your toenails...wash your feet...put some lotion on them...

TAKE CARE OF THEM!

My husband thinks I'm nutty, LOL!

Maybe I am.

Heaven help me.

And mercy...maybe it's God's way of trying to "humble me" a little...

...Because I just discovered last year...

I have a very small bunion on the side of my foot!!!

It's UGLY!

Everyone tells me, "You can't even see it! I would've never known! Quit telling people!"

And sometimes if I wear my stilletos, high heel boots, or pointy toe sandals...

IT HURTS LIKE HECK!

I guess that's what I get for being such a "FOOT SNOB"!

LOL!

So anyway...

Now you know my secret.

I know people can't help it if they have "funny" feet...but just wash them, moisturize them, paint your nails, LOLOLOLOL!!!

Ok...

Slap me now.

I Love You...

I know I don't tell you enough...

Neither of us are very "wordy"...

You're my world.

I love you with my whole heart.

I couldn't exist without you.

I have a very fragile heart...

And I now understand why I never had boyfriends/relationships when I was younger...

God was actually protecting my heart from the heartache...

My heart breaks very easily.

He was keeping my heart safe.

He was showing me patience...

Until it was time for Him to bring us together.

Thanks for putting up with me.

We were created for each other.

I love you more with each passing year.

Boring...according to the children...

I see Evan's facebook status read "What a boring Saturday" today. Yeah...what-evah! Jamie and I only cleaned house all morning long, took a break long enough to catch our breath, ran out to Meijer to pick up a few things, brought the boys some burgers home for dinner...boring? Yeah...I guess they were bored...stayed in their jammies pretty much all day. Nate did get dressed long enough to ride to the store with us, LOL! What I wouldn't do for a boring day! Sheesh! We didn't "DO" anything or "GO" anywhere special...which is what they expect every weekend. We're supposed to be their form of entertainment I think. Sheesh. LOL! But after the housecleaning...we had a pretty relaxing day. I actually got a small nap in! Woohoo! As you can see, Oreo had a pretty relaxing evening too. He curled up with Evan after Ev got out of the shower, LOL!

Nate...I'm not sure WHAT Nate was up to. COLD??? He had three fleece blankets wrapped around him when I came downstairs, LOL! Crazy kid. Nothing like being cozy while watching a little tv. LOL! Well, that was our day in a nutshell. Pretty dull...but as they say...No news is good news! :)

Taken for granted at times...

I have been rather reflective lately...again...I know.
Sometimes I think we get so busy with day to day life that we really forget how good we have it. I know I do. It wasn't until a couple weeks past, that I've been talking with people, thinking about things, praying, etc...and realizing just HOW blessed I am. People always say, "You don't know what ya got till it's gone"...I pray I NEVER get that way. Although, I do find myself forgetting how good I have it. I am SO very blessed. We have a job that allows us to work from home (stressful as it may be) allowing us to be here for our own children. We have a cozy (a.k.a. cramped at times) home. We have a dependable newer car. We have an abundance of food and supplies (thanks to all those who taught me to coupon).

But most of all...we are blessed to be a family. And I think THIS is one of the BIGGEST things I take for granted. It's everything I ever dreamed of...but wondered if it would ever happen for me. When it DID start happening...it happened quick! And life has been flying by ever since.
Wonderful husband...whom I know I don't tell enough...that I love, adore, and could not ask for a better person. Someone who has pushed me to be a better person, grow stronger, and more than I will probably ever realize.
Beautiful children...who are healthy, intelligent, kind, sensitive, empathetic, caring, talented, and respectful.
Yes...and one dumb...but very beautiful fluffy kitty (Oreo)...whom our life would not be complete without.
Lucky?
Nah...
Incredibly...
BLESSED!

Me and "The Scale"...

It's back.

That dreaded, ugly scale.

It has creeped back into my life yet again.

I stepped on it on Monday...for a point of reference.

Now, I'm not getting back on for a good week or two.

It's back.

Yes...

The diet is also back.

The diet in all its' glory.

Counting calories.

Looking up "serving sizes".

Checking fat content.

Yes, the joys of trying to lose weight.

Goal...

Fourteen pounds.

The enemy...

Potato chips.

Crackers.

Mexican food.

Here we go again!

Sucess...?

A flat tummy!

And toning up these ridiculous looking "stick" arms and legs!

Update...

To be continued...

I wonder...

I wonder...

What it would be like to live without self-doubt.

I wonder...

What it would be like not living with a low self-esteem.

I wonder...

What it would be like to live without insecurities.
I wonder...

What it would be like to have a perfect body.

I wonder...

What it would be like to have gorgeous hair.

I wonder...

What it would be like to be beautiful.

I wonder...

What it would be like not always living in fear.

I wonder...

What it would be like living without worry all the time.

I wonder...

I wonder...

I wonder...

I wish I lived with complete trust.

I wish I lived with perfect faith.

I wish I felt more secure.

I wish I felt better about myself.

I wonder...

I wonder...

I wonder...

If we communicated more...

If we shared more...

If we appreciated each other more...

If we complimented each other more...

If we were "better at" our relationships...

IF WE ALL KEPT GOD AT THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES AND RELATIONSHIPS...

Maybe just maybe...

I wonder...

The newest obsession in the house...

Yes...
Finally...the boys got a Wii.
Ever since they played at their cousins' house they have been dying to have one.
So...Jam found a great deal and got them one.
Yes...they're a bit spoiled.
But their daddy loves spoiling them. ;)
Sorry...bad mom that I am...I don't even have a picture of them in action playing it!
But had to share the news...they're totally excited and can't wait to play now each day after school.
I still haven't had my turn to create a little...what do you call them?
The little figure?
I'm so out of it...LOL!
Maybe this weekend.
I'd love to try Wii Fitness...but the hubs is telling me it's lame.
We'll see...maybe I can convince him to get it for me. ;)

So much to catch you up on!

Hey all you fellow bloggies!

I have so much to catch up on in here!

The boys spring break, their time at Geeg/Papa's, their new Wii, my couponing ramblings.

I ask your patience for just a bit.

I'm a bit behind on...well...pretty much everything right now.

I'm...PRAYING...for some relief...

Real soon.

Thanks for your patience!

Melly

Savings this week!

Had some fairly decent deals at Family Fare this week.

Ground beef...on sale for $1.88 a pound when you buy a "Family Pack"...what was regular $10.64...I got for $6.92.

Spartan shredded cheese...regular $2.69...on sale for $1.50...got two of those.

I can't believe it's not butter...regular $2.19...on sale for $1.oo...used a man. coupon for 75 cents off two...paid right around 62 cents each.

Wheat thins...regular $3.49...on sale for $1.99...used a man. coupon for $1.00 off...paid 99 cents.

Danimals yogurt...regular $2.39...on sale for $2.00...used a $1.00 coupon...paid $1.00.

All detergent...regular $5.39...on sale for $3.99...used a $2.00 coupon...paid $1.99.

Milk...regular $2.49...on sale for $1.88.

Strawberries...regular$3.99...on sale for $1.49.

My tally:

Spent: $18.74

Saved: $19.41
Did good at Walgreens both times I went. I went in earlier in the week to "help out" the good 'ol "Easter bunny".

I was able get quite a few treats...

Spending only: 97 cents!!!

And saving: $7.50!!!

I went back to Walgreens this week, and although I didn't buy alot...what I did buy, was really priced right. Some of the deals were:

Planters Almonds...priced at 99 cents...used a man. coupon for Save $1.00 on two...paid 49 cents each...got four of those.

Kotex...on sale for $3.49...get $2.50 RR...used a $1.00 coupon...FREE!

Pilot 3 pack highlighters...regular $4.50...on sale for $1.19...used a $1.00 W coupon and paid only 19 cents.

Pilot 2 pack black gel pens...regular $3.99...on sale for $1.19...used a $1.00 W coupon and paid just 19 cents.

Starbucks Frapacino...regular $1.99...on sale for $1.25...used a $1.00 coupon...paid 25 cents each...got two!

My tally:

Spent: $5.33

Saved: $15.38

Oh yeah...what a trip!

Catchin' some zzzzzs...

When the boys are home...and sitting still for any length of time...
This is where you will find Oreo...
Asleep on their lap...
On their legs...
Draped across them in some fashion...
That cat loves those boys...
They say a cat has to feel COMPLETELY safe with someone before he'll sleep on them.
Well...I guess our family...all four of us...have passed the test...
That cat will sleep on any of us!
Ah, the life of a kitty...

It's just the hubs and me...

Wow.

What did we do before the babies were born?

It's so quiet around here!

The boys are spending a few days of their spring break with geeg and papa.

Having a blast I'm sure.

They love going there.

Nate asked if he could stay a month this time. LOL!

It's nice to have some alone time too...just Jam and me.

Even though we're still working...

It's nice to have the evenings to ourself.

Grabbing take-out is so much cheaper! LOL! We share things and WOW what a difference in price! LOL!

We can watch our tv shows without recording, pausing, interruption...yelling "get your jammies on, brush your teeth, go potty". LOL!

But...even though it's nice...

Once in a while...

I wouldn't trade the chaos for all the money in the world!

I love my babies with all my heart!

The hunt at Geeg & Papa's...

The Easter holiday finished up at Geeg & Papa's house. The grandkids had their annual hunt put on by Geeg. Aunt Jessie and I hid all the eggs along with a little help from Geeg. It got so gusty that many of our eggs were blowing/rolling away! The kids had a blast as always.
We had yummy desserts baked by Jess...cheesecake and monster cookies.
The boys ended up spending two night with Geeg and Papa. (Can you say TWO KIDLESS nights for mom and dad?!?!) Teehee!
They always have a blast with them.
We hope you all had a very blessed Easter!

The Easter Bunny's Been To My House Already!

Yep...I think the Easter Bunny starts his journey up north...'cause he's already stopped by my neighborhood!

We must have had two very good little boys because I see loads of chocolate!

He Is Risen!

As we enjoy our chocolate bunnies, cream eggs, and peeps...

Let's remember the REAL...the TRUE...the ONLY...reason we are celebrating as we are enjoying ourselves with family, food, and fun...

Thank-you Jesus for your sacrifice. We are so grateful for what you did for us!

Coloring Eggs

Easter "eve" is when we always color our eggs as a family. We had fun...though as Ev gets older...with each passing holiday...I get..."Are you gonna post these pictures on facebook?"

Because although he still loves doing all of our traditional family fun things...I understand it's just not cool to share it with your friends in middle school. (Though I'm sure they're doing it with their family too, teehee!)

I think they turned out pretty good! We all had fun with the "invisible crayon"...writing messages and decorating our eggs.

The finished product...SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!!!

Where ARE those eggs?

Today we had our family Easter egg hunt with the boys. The day started out pleasant, but rain took over so we had to have the hunt indoors. That wasn't all bad...as there are many more places to hide eggs inside!

Eggs were hidden on all three levels...and thankfully...mom and dad didn't forget where we hid any of them. LOL!

The boys had fun. They found all the "obvious" ones quickly...but others took a little more searching...and some "clues" had to be given.

All of the colored eggs were filled with Reese's Pieces. All of the yellow eggs had little slips of paper redeemable for "prizes".

The prizes included milkshakes, slushies, sundaes, $1.00 soft drinks @ McDs, candy bars, trips to the Dollar Store, and Red Box rentals.

Kitty loves being a part of all the family activities...even the egg hunt. Fun was had by all!

"So, are you putting this on the blog mom?"

So, after Nate brings home his darling artwork today (ya gotta LOVE that panda painting!), he says to me, "So, are you putting this on the blog mom?". I think he's starting to realize now that I share all the fam's memories, accomplishments, ups and downs on here.

And after I bragged on how cute it was...I guess he figured this was where it belonged! LOL!

So here it is!

One beautiful panda painting from Nate!

I think it's pretty darn cute!

Congratulations Nate!

Today we're giving Nate a very big congratulations on his Walk Program achievement. He set a goal for himself to hit the 20 mile mark and he did it! He prayed for no rain every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday because he and dad had it all figured out exactly how many "sticks" he needed to get each day. He earned several "toe tokens" for his shoes, a pencil, and his gold medal today. He wore his Walk Program t-shirt from last year to celebrate. We are very proud of him.
Congratulations Natee!
We're so happy and proud of you!