Classic Olan Mills Shots

If you need a good laugh, you have to check out this blog! Let me know if you spot some of your kin... If you read Ree at Pioneer Woman, she is the last photo! What a hoot!

I also wanted to mention that my funny Daughter #1 had her letter to Santa published in the local paper! I knew it was cute, but I am her mother!

Sick in Bed

I spent Saturday morning at the Doctor's office. I have not been seen at his office since 2005. I have a bronchial infection. Too much fun in the snow.
Since I had to get a prescription filled I got a $25 gift card from CVS for a new Rx. My consolation prize for being sick! I have read about some great bonus deals CVS has starting for week of 1/6/08. Lots of ECB items, but I'll post about that on the other blog!

This is the second time I have been sick this winter and it is not even January. Husband and I are going to do the Daniel Fast for 21 days in January. The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual insight. “As for these four boys, God gave them knowledge and skill.” (Daniel 1:17) The application of a Daniel Fast is longer than one day. These young men fasted for at least ten days. (Daniel 1:12, 15).
This is only a partial fast. Daniel and his friends ate only vegetables and drank only water. (Daniel 1:12).

Our church is fasting as a whole in January. I have specifically written out ten or more prayers I am fasting for. One of my prayers is to alter my families eating habits. Our plan is to change our eating style once this is over.

Husband is going to have a much rougher transition I think than myself because he does not like beans. I plan on eating them over whole grain rice and calling it a meal. I will keep you posted on the progress of our eating habits.

The original plan for Sunday was to take the tree down since we are having friends over for New Years... I think they will have to see our house still completely decorated. I think I remember my Mom saying it was bad luck to keep your tree up past New Years? I am going take my chances this year and go with the man down the street from us who keeps his three trees lite well into February...

Saturday Review

I hope you had a beautiful Christmas with your family! We had a lot of fun with family!
I have a couple of new money saving ideas on my Savings $$$ blog - Enough Cents 2 Save.

On Friday we cleaned out the girls room, again! This time we moved their beds around and made a "desk" out of their vanity. Hopefully the new look will inspire them to keep it clean. They told my Grandmother their room was not clean because they were messy. They seem to be fine with it, but it make me NUTS.
We finally brought all of the goodies upstairs and cleaned out the den. Now I need to take down all the Christmas decorations. That is always so sad to me. I love decorating the house, getting everything all festive. Breaking it all down is depressing. We are hosting our HomeTeam over New Years Eve, so at least I have motivation to get it all down.

Today is one of my Mother-In-Laws birthday and we will be celebrating Christmas with them. Happy Birthday!!!!

I have not posted about the ski trip yet. We had an amazing trip! The children were naturals on the slopes. I on the other hand chickened out. Who was going to care for our family when I was laid up - big sissy! I am not complaining! I had a wonderful trip! We went sledding, ice skating, swimming in a hot springs and shopping!! :) There was so much to do! They had a free gondola that took you from one side of the mountain to the other. Our place was in walking distance to everything. The children were in heaven with all the cousins! We cooked dinner several nights at each others place and gave all the parents a night to go out on a date! One night we had sitters come and keep all 11 children and the adults went out to eat. We played the Dirty Santa game and had a great time!

The trip was definitely a Christmas memory we will all never forget!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

I hope you had a beautiful day celebrating Jesus' birth!!


All of the children had a great two-days! We visited my Mom on Christmas Eve and Husbands family for Christmas lunch! It was hard to get the children ready for bed! All they wanted to do was play!

Husband got Guitar Hero for the new Wii and the children have cried all day "because Daddy won't give them a turn." Not really, but he sure has had fun with it! Look at him go!


The Wii is definitely a hit! They each got a new webkin and spent about an hour trying to log on. My children and about two million other children were also trying to log on! I keep thinking this is just a phase, but we are still in it!

Husband had a set of shelves made for my new den! I love them! Even more than that, I can't wait to decorate them! Once again Husband has out done himself with the perfect gift! I love you!!

Merry CHRISTmas to all and to all a good night...

Merry CHRISTmas

I hope you have a very Merry CHRISTmas! I have to HoHoHo and will be taking a break!
THANK YOU for being such a loyal reader!
Remember WHOSE you are this season when you are at WalMart and Belks.......those people need to see our light at all times, even when they "steal" your parking space or take to long in line with all their coupons (grin)!!
Love you all!!

Where Have You Been?

Every day has been jammed packed! Today I went to the worse place ever - Wal-Mart. I promised myself I would not step foot in there after Thanksgiving and I did today. It was crazy. The parking lot alone should have stopped me from entering the store.

I did find myself at Jaque-Penney's using my $10 off any purchase of $10 or more! Lucky me, my Mom had given me two additional coupons and I got $30 for FREE!! I know this blog is not about savings anymore, but it is about ME and I like to save money!!! SO, what did I buy? Socks and Underwear for a family that my HomeTeam is helping for Christmas! Not real exciting, but good quality for very little money!!!

We celebrated Christmas tonight with our Church! It was a great meal and lots of fun games! They hosted off site and everyone had a great time! I laughed so hard at our table! My hometeam characters are great!

Last night Husband came home real early and we ate dinner then celebrated his birthday! I scored big!! I got him a fancy weather-clock (that we currently cannot get to work, but it sure looks neat). He got a great sweatshirt, a new razor and a sweater! Hopefully I made up for a lousy anniversary gift. Actually anything would have beat that since I did not give him anything. I know...what was I thinking? Obviously I was not.

My Mom is coming down Thursday to help me fold laundry and get caught up. Plus I have been such a bad daughter and I have only seen her once in the last two weeks since her surgery.

Today I went on a field trip to our local museum. I will get to do the same field trip on Friday with my other daughter!!!!!! I can't wait. Times like these make me want to put them in the same class.

We have our house decorated and we are actually enjoying the Christmas season. I wrapped up 24 Christmas books on November 30Th and every night we have opened a book and read it! The girls have really gotten in to this. We have made homemade breads and started some baking. It has been so warm, it does not feel like winter yet!

You will have to read my post about the Spa Rewards! I cannot wait! Did you get yours?

Enough Cents To Save

I DID IT!

I know all six of my daily readers may not be as in to coupons as I am, so I have started a second blog. Yes, I now have two!

Enough Cents to Save

Ain't i purdy!

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Drama Mama will now be all about my family, recipes and photos!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my child's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I will find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy and/or toy aisle at Walmart and/or Target.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year - I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.


On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother, "because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food that is warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back.

Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet, because yours truly will be the one to have to clean up after you - and if you haven't noticed - I have enough on my plate.

Yours Always,

MOM...

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.


I received this as an email and had to share. Author-Unknown

Re-Gifting

I have never been a huge fan of re-gifting because my memory is so short! I'd probably re-gift to the same person. Besides the fact that my family is great at gift giving. I am the one who is severely challenged in gift giving!

Anyways, look at what Husband came home with last night! Don't think we won't be giving over half of that bad boy away! Teachers gifts, mailman, choir teachers... Need I go on? I don't know how well you can see the picture, but the basket is amazing! Not quite sure what I will do with it yet!
Here is the description of the "Sky's the Limit Gift Basket" Bold items will be consumed by the receiver of the basket!! :)
Wow them with this vast array of gourmet Wine Country fare. Portlock smoked salmon, Nonni's roasted garlic crackers, caviar, over two pounds of Godiva chocolate including dark and milk chocolate biscotti, dark chocolate covered almonds and pretzels, assorted Godiva chocolate bars, Italian tiramisu chocolate, caramel walnut cookies, chocolate graham crackers, Ghirardelli milk chocolate and Twilight Delight dark chocolate, lindt truffles, serving dish and items too numerous to list make this one of the season's most magnificent gifts. Gift Size 34" x 13" x 11"

By the way, I guess I should thank the Gift Giver - an Ad Agency! Maybe we should say thank you for the gift that keeps on GIVING!!!!

dear santa, i want a ...

My first daughter is really funny! Always saying something to make us laugh! I was going through her Tuesday-Signed Paper folder and found a note to Santa that was addressed to him and she said mailed off.



I do not know if you can read all the items well, but look at the last two sentences. "You get the idea." and then she said "I hope you come." I think she is doubting herself here. Has she really been good?@!#?!@??? Oh she is a hoot!

While I am posting about her I thought I would include her Thanksgiving Journal entry. "If I were a turkey" She says "would you go into the woods and get a dog and kill it? Like ,God made turkeys just the same as other animals... What if someone ate you for Thanksgiving? I bet you wouldn't like that would you?"

Don't you like the valley-girl talk going on! Like, what are you thinkin', like who are we to eat the bird, like...I don't know where she gets it... Like, Do You????

Happy Birthday Baby Boy

Okay, so he is not a baby anymore. We are eye-to-eye these days and I know, that is not saying much since I am only 5'2".

Today you are eleven years old. It is hard to remember Rock Hill eleven years ago. That seems like lifetimes ago, yet I can still remember that sweet smile! Oh you are my precious boy!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Hard to believe this picture was taken in July - I still had at least an inch on you 6 months ago - not anymore!

Kroger Three Day Sale

Starting Thursday, Dec 6th, Kroger has
2liter Cokes for $.59 (limit 10)
Ground Beef $.99/lbs
24 count water bottles $2.99
Bananas $.29/lbs

I was in there today and that is from memory, please do not quote me, but I know it is close!

PUBLIX has some great items Buy one Get one items this week!
Cheez-its, Peter Pan Peanutbutter, Grands Biscuits, Motts Apple Juice...

You can use two coupons if you buy two items and they double them if it is under $.50.
Pillsbury Grand Biscuits
$1.50 each
- .35 x 2 (doubled)
-.35 x 2 (doubled)
That is $.05 cents per can!

OR
Betty Crocker Cake Mix
$1.79 per box
- .35 x 2 (doubled)
-.35 x 2 (doubled)
That is $.20 cents per box

Do you see why I clip coupons! I can't afford not to!

Don't miss another Christmas Special!

I found this great site has a TV listing of Christmas Shows, Movies, Cartoons, Concerts, Parades, etc... all suitable for the Family throughout the months before Christmas ~ December 25th, 2007!

If you have a DVR or Tivo This is a valuable site!

Tuesday Drama

I picked up my long-legged friend for lunch Monday. We were meeting Saggy-Boobs and Muffintop at a sweet little tea room for my birthday! I had a great salad with dried cranberries and banana chips served with a poppy seed dressing! It was wonderful!

When I picked LongLegs up, I had my new CHRISTmas cd playing. The song was by Montgomery Gentry, Merry Christmas from the Family . It is a HOOT! It does not really sound like my family, but they sure sound like fun! I found the lyrics and if you have time read them, but it is much funnier listening to him sing it! Here is the end that reminds me of National Lampoons Christmas! "CLARK...We sold the house..."

Fran and Rita drove from Harlingen
I can't remember how I'm kin to them
But when they tried to plug their motor home in
They blew our Christmas lights
Cousin David knew just what went wrong
So we all waited out on our front lawn
He threw the breaker and the lights came on
And we sang Silent Night
Oh Silent Night o' holy night

Carve the turkey turn the ballgame on
Mix Bloody Marys cause we all want one
Send somebody to the Stop 'n Go
We need some celery and a can of fake snow
A bag of lemons and some Diet Sprite
A box of midol, some Salem Lights
Hallelujah everybody say cheese
Merry Christmas from the family

OKAY, so I am insane! Daughter M fell down the front steps tonight while I was talking to one of my MIL's. She is complaining of her back...we'll see if we make it through the night. She already has a Doctor's appointment at 9 am in the morning for her digestive system. Son went to Alabama to see a civil war reenactment. He hurt his calf in an acorn fight yesterday in the neighbors yard. He is so sore today. I had to get him out of the tub so I could put his sister in after she fell. Husband called at 6 (during the fall-drama) to let me know he was on his way. He was stopping off to buy some OJ and meds...he does not feel good. He thinks he has a cold coming on. Daughter C and I are leaving for the night. Anyone want to take us in?

Actually it is not even eight PM and I have them all in bed and I am blogging! :)
I will keep you posted on our status!

Happy Birthday To You!

We had a wonderful weekend! Husband and the children were very creative in their gift giving and wrapping!
My husband travel with a group of men three times a year to "compare notes" and trade tips. He emailed seven of them and asked them to send him the Sunday edition of their newspaper. He received The New York Times, Midland Michigan, Seattle Post, Shreveport, LA and others. He also bought a new coupon organizer for me to organize all those coupons.
Well let me explain how this turned into a valuable teachable moment with the children. 1. It is the thought that counts. 2. It is better to give than to receive.
I tell you that to explain that three times a year the Sunday Paper does NOT have coupons in it. Well, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is one of those Sundays. I was heart broke for him. Not because I did not rack up on coupons, but because of all the thought that went into this precious gift! I love that man! He is always so creative and so thoughtful!
I do not know if you have ever read 5 Love Languages, but it really changed our marriage. When we took the quiz one of his top three was Gift Giving. Sadly Gift Giving is last on my list which means I have to work hard at coming up with ideas for him. His birthday is coming up in 18 days, I'll let you know what I come up with!
They also gave me a BEAUTIFUL coat! It is so soft! Thanks you for the BEST birthday!

Birthday Blessings

Tonight I took a long hot bath while I listened to my Ipod my sweet sister gave me for my birthday on my Ipod docking station my sweet Mama gave me. I downloaded Hear Something Country Christmas 2007 album from Itunes with birthday money from my in-laws. I did all of this while my Husband and children were wrapping a gift for me! I could hear the faint whispers and giggles and occasional shouts and I just sat and praised my Heavenly Father for the blessings in my life.

At breakfast the other morning my friends and I laughed at "where we could have been" had we stayed in our hometowns and life not worked out so beautifully as it has. God has a plan and so often when it is not our plan we fuss and cry because we did not get our way. I want to publicly thank Husband for bringing me into his life and sharing the best gift of all time - Jesus Christ. I know our road was rocky this past year, but I will travel down that road with you as long as we are together! We go on the 10Th for a three month check up for cancer. I know God is working in your life and feel His mighty presence in our life.

There are some things money cannot buy and our love for each other is one of them! Thank you Husband for loving me! That is the best gift of all! I Love You!

Organizing Coupons

I saw a good friend at the DQ today! Seeing someone at the DQ - doesn't that sound like a country song :)!

I showed her my "Dorthy-Basket" and thought I would share it with you! I also read a great post on a real cheap organizer!


I took small invitation size envelopes from WalMart and made categories. I file all food items in the front A-Z then I file all toiletries, medicines and cleaners (A-Z). I am not sure where the basket came from, but I know it was from a gift somewhere along the way (meaning I did not buy it).

When I get the sales flyer's I sit down and collect all the coupons for that store and place them in the blue file-pack. I take the file pack into the store and leave the basket in the car. I always take my basket in the car (I treat it like my purse, taking it everywhere). If I get into the store and find a clearance item and know I have a coupon, I have been known to leave my buggy and go out to the car for a coupon. May sound extreme to some, but would you throw a quarter in the trash, I think not!!! Since I am showing pictures, I thought I would share my big comfy chair where I clip and watch Oprah and eat bon-bons! I love my chair, I call it my-space!

I also wanted to share two websites that I check all the time COUPON MOM and REFUNDCENTS. You have to subscribe to Refund Cents, but I felt it was worth it!! Coupon Mom is just like the Grocery Game, but free! I hope this helps you with your coupons! I love saving money!

Deals of the Day

What a beautiful Saturday morning! We do not have anywhere we have to be!! No sports, birthday parties, no NOTHIN'! I am so relieved! This was a crazy week spent mostly on the road! Today I am praising God for soft pj's and lazy mornings!
UPDATE: I knew it was too good to be true! Daughter C just so sweetly asked if we could go to Home Depot this morning to make the Serving Tray. How do they remember this stuff? I told her we would go closer to noon...

Here are some of the best deals I can find!

At Rite Aid in the Christmas candy section, they have their Hershey's Hugs, Kisses, Dove bags on sale 5 for $10. If you buy 5 you can mail in the receipt and get $5 back, making them 5/$5. Sometimes in the circular ads you can find $1.00 off 2 coupon and if you use 2 you could get 5 bags for $3. My sister said they also have all of their TIDE detergent on sale (100oz

FamilyChristian Get .99 shipping on all orders right now, no code needed.
Also at FamilyChristian, get 40% off bestselling Christian books through this link. Dave Ramsey "The Total Money Makeover" book is $12.49 (Reg 24.99)

Redbook one year $3 after instant $5 deduction! Ships free.

$5 off $5 at FamousFootwear with code 1207593.

I met my prayer partners at Chick Fil A yesterday! They have a promo - Buy $20 in gift cards and get the calendar FREE! I got four $5 cards for the bus driver, Sunday School Teachers and the mailman!!! I will keep the calendar!
Here are the coupons in the new Chick Fil A calendar:
Jan-free chick-fil-a sand
Feb-free break. chick. bisc or soup
Mar-free 4pc kids meal w/ purchase combo
Apr-free chargrilled cool wrap w/ purchase side & coke
May-free milkshake w/ purchase
June-free water w/purchase salad
July-free 8ct nugget w/ purchase lg sprite
Aug-free chick fila salad sand
Sept-free break mini w/ purchase hash brown & coffee OR free lg pot fries w/ purchase Med coke
Oct-free 4ct chick strips w/purchase med tea
Nov-free lg coke w/ purchase sand
Dec-free gal tea w/ purchase lg nugget tray, free lgr coke

Finally Friday!

Thank you for all of your prayers and calls about my mother. She came through the surgery great. She is recovering much better this go round! She will come home from the hospital today in a neck brace. The doctor said it did look pretty bad, but that is "good" hopefully she will not be in pain anymore!

My sister and I took advantage of being in Atlanta for the day and did some light CHRISTmas shopping. Wouldn't you know there was a craft show going on at the hospital - 1 day only! Lots of cinnamon potpourri and pound cakes...

She is frantically looking for baby doll that "swims"... we hit several toy stores and Target, but did not score. Of course we found ourselves at WalGreens! Wouldn't you know, when we walked in with my "Dorthy-Basket" of coupons and her coupon pouch the cashier said "If you purchase $50 today you will receive a $20 gift card!" Enough said! The hunt was on! You can run up a $50 bill quickly with diapers! We found two bottles of Excedrin Migraine and tension headache medicine 2 for $5.75 and of course I had $2 off coupons!! She got a free roll of wrapping paper that she climbed to the top of the store to get, and a great deal on batteries for her camera (that she is getting for Christmas - hint, hint to Sister's Husband).

I finished shopping for the children and even found wool socks and long johns for the ski trip! Target has cute Footie-pj's on sale this week for $8. Son got a pair of camo (they will be mine one day soon if he keeps growing so fast!) and the girls got skiing monkeys! Too cute!! Sister and I had a lot of fun picking everything out together! I got home around 10 pm last night and was exhausted.

I got the children up early this morning and we studied for their spelling, vocab and social studies test! Husband earned his stripes last night by taking them to the Parade! We have always gone (9 year tradition) and they were adamant about going, so he packed a picnic and blankets and away they went! I was so proud of him for going! Cold weather, screaming kids and a large crowd...I can't think of anything else he loves more! :) Thank you honey for taking one for the team last night! Momma, Sister and I thank you for your sacrifice!!!!

A couple from our home team was asked to enter an ornament into the Downtown Development Contest and they WON FIRST PLACE! WOW!! What big fun! They spent so much time on the project! It looked great! Well Done! They won a $100 gift certificate to the Downtown Restaurants that I think they are going to give to Pastor and his wife!! Maybe next year we will enter the parade and have the choir and the ornament on the float!!!

CVS has a great sale on photo enlargements:
Add two 5x7 or two 8x10 to your shopping cart, use promo code NBOGO, and you will only pay for one 5x7 or one 8x10!

Sunday's coupons!!

Many of you have asked how I find such great coupons - Sunday's paper!! This Sunday there will be three packs of coupons! Grab your neighbors if they do not clip!!!!
UPDATE:
SO MANY of you gave me a hard time about listing the coupons, I took them off! NO, I did not type all that - cut and pasted from one of my websites...that I will not be sharing with you anymore. :)

Happy Birthday ROSE!!!

I know your birthday is not going to be a "good-one" this year since you are having back surgery. There were 364 other days we could have scheduled this...

Please pray for ROSE and the Doctor's hand during surgery and a speedy recovery!

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!

Christmas Card Photo

I finally decided on a picture for our cards. If you order 50 from Walgreens thru Saturday, December 1st and use the promo coupon THANKS at checkout, you will get 25 pictures for free. They must be the same print and you must put 50 in your cart for code to work! I got 50 pictures for $5.15!!

There Is No Greater Work

Many of you know that I am a huge fan of the Money Saving Mom - Crystal. She also has another Blog that I read BiblicalWomanhood. She has a post that was very powerful to me and I wanted to share the link with you. If you know me, you know how often I struggle being satisfied as a Stay-at-home-mom (sahm). This was just the right dose I needed for this time in my life!

Thank you Crystal for expressing your thoughts so eloquently.

Support our Troops with a Card

Below is something that Xerox is doing.
If you go to this web site, you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. The cards were designed by school children.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! This is a great site. Please send a card. It is FREE and it only takes a minute of your time.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our guys and gals over there need to know we are behind them.

WOW...Who knew?

If my children are reading this, stop now or you will not have a surprise CHRISTmas morning.

Several months ago I bought a Wii from Gamestop.com. I did not buy the insurance, because I did not know about it or that I needed it. After talking to several people who STRONGLY recommended it I tried to get the Game Stop at our "mall" to insure it. They would not. So I decided the best thing to do was buy another one and sell the "old" on on ebay. So I waited at 5AM with every other cold, money savings nut to buy another one.

WHAT A RUSH ebay was!
I have never sold anything on ebay before. I did a three day listing, took my picture (because I could with my great digital camera) and thought I listed it. Yesterday I went to check on it and could not find it. I have never been so mad at myself. How do you loose a listing on ebay? (okay maybe I was this mad at myself when I left the Reba concert ticket in Statesboro and drove all the way to Atlanta for the concert without them... Another Drama Mama moment).
I finally found it in Accessories. What was I thinking? I revised it and then it started coming up with all of the ten thousand others. I listed it for $250, I really wanted $275 back so I could make up the $25 I spent on shipping on the first one. Well Lawsey-Mercie, who knew it would bring $441.00 plus $25 shipping!!!!!!!!!! I have never felt such a rush.

My long-legged friend was on the phone with me during the last 10 minutes and thought I was going to have a heart attack. I have never in all my life felt so sick to my stomach. Now I have made $166 profit to go towards the $160 worth of games and accessories I have bought! God is good...all the time...

The Cousins

Thanksgiving was so much fun! I had not seen some of my Dad's side of the family in years! It was less than a 24 hour trip, but well worth it! I want to share a couple of pictures of my precious family!




Now of course I have to show you the food. Some of you think I am speaking another language when I mention these items. You have Tableau, Kebe, Grape Leaves and Green Beans that I found out the secret ingredient - cinnamon. You are probably not impressed, but oh how I loved it! We did have ham and pineapple casserole and sweet potatoes (for the "white-folks") ;)

If you could not tell we are part Lebanese. All of OUR children are fair skin compared to the older cousins.
My children do tan well, just not as dark as the 2nd generation cousins. I promise I will not let that much time pass again before I see them!
They are all so much fun! I hope your thanksgiving was as blessed as mine was!

Organizing One Room At A Time

Clean Up Clean Up, Everybody Do your Part... If you unfortunately remember the Barney Banjo, you probably remember that song!

Oh my their rooms were a wreck. No I did not take a BEFORE picture and not even sure I would have posted one. It was that bad. My girls are PACK RATS! Give them a pack of paper, scissors and some tape and they will flat go to town. I have never in all my life. I know my room growing up NEVER looked like that because I was 15 before I was allowed to have my own scissors. And I know Rose would have never given us scotch tape to play with.


Anyways, I made my son mad because I complained so much about the clutter and junk in his room. Everything I handed him and said "put it somewhere or I am going to throw it away" ended up on his top bunk that use to be reserved for only Lego's. He busted out crying when I said "okay, lets now clean the top bunk." I am so mean...

The girls have made toys, food, signs, you name it out of paper and taped it around their room. I know technically this is my fault because I allow crafts into their room but OMG, there are limits for everything. Every time they slowed up I got louder and more demanding. I know I am mean, but "there is no way Santa is bringing another item into this house with it the way it looks." Okay, so you can hear me saying that out loud. I know they sure did...the entire time we were cleaning up.
Here are a few AFTER pictures. I know you are probably thinking AFTER pictures, yes there is still clutter and junk, but after two bags busting at the seams I had to stop. Even I felt guilty.
Check out the girls closet. Every animal except the Webkins must stay in there or I am throwing them out. (I will not really throw them out, I always have someone I can donate to). By the way, Daddy, they want you to build steps for the bookcases so they can make bunk beds out of them for their Webkin's. Good Luck with that project ;)

Home Already

I browsed, I shopped, and I am home! It is 8 am and Husband is off to work. I was out the door at 5 AM. Of course we hit WalMart (highlight of this small town) and then off to the "mall." I use the term Mall LOOSELY! We have a Game Stop, Bath and Body Works and Belks, Goody's and Jacque Pen-ney's!
I obviously cannot post my finds or there would be no surprise. But I will tell you I got $1.50 six inch poinsettias at Home Depot! That was a deal! I am also pleased to say this was not the year of "one-for-you, one-for-me" either! Husband is going to get a few toys and my son will be happy about his Birthday present! That's all I can say.
We normally spend $100 on each child for individual gifts. Either all in one pop or it could be 8 Webkins. Then we buy a big group present. Fortunately I have stuck with this budget since the beginning and it seems to work for us. I do not get out of control and they are all pleased. This year will be a little more fun because $100 goes a lot further when you are spending EBC bucks and finding great deals! My family is going to have the best stuffed stockings this year. I really have some good finds for my sister and my mother!! :)
So what is on your list? Anything good we need to know about?

Warning: CVS ECB talk...

Do not read this if you are fed up with me and my coupons! I called my Mom at 9:45 to share my joy from all the money I was saving and she thought I was drunk. Now if you know me, you know I do not drink and have not for over 12 years. I was over joyous over my SAVINGS! Yes, I am going to post about it and YES I do have a picture of ALL my rewards and ECB's! Who would not want free chocolate and Diet coke???

Before I forget, here is the coupon for 10 free pictures when you buy 20 pictures at Rite Aid.

Here is the CVS coupon for the $5 off $30.

Crystal has done a wonderful job explaining how to get the best deals from CVS and offers coupons to print out.

All of these items are on sale for three days. They are all on the back page of the flyer. I spent $1.08 Out of Pocket (oop), got all of what you see and $47.00 of ECB to use on my next trip.

Okay...At CVS I spent about $10 to get started. I bought items that gave me ECB's back. Then on my next trip I would get items I needed as well as some of the new EBC deals and "replace" the ones I spent.


EXAMPLE:
I bOUGHT
$2.49 ECB's wyb Tylenol 10ct. - LIMIT ONE per card
$1.49 ECB's wyb Enviga Sparkling Green Tea single 12oz. can - LIMIT ONE per card
$5.99 ECB's wyb Garnier 100% Color - LIMIT TWO per card


1 Tylenol, 1 Tea and two hair colors for $16. If I have any coupons (which I do - $1 off Tylenol and $2 off Hair (x2) for a coupon total of $5 off) So now I am paying about $12 cash including tax. I will get back on the bottom of my receipt a $2.49; $1.49; $5.99 and $5.99 ECB that I can then use next time.
This is probably more confusing!?@!@?!?@?

My first week I did spend cash, but ever since then I earned the ECB's back and I am able to shop for "free" I have some great stocking stuffer this year. My nephew is getting some Motrin and Tylenol drops that I know he will be thrilled with (fortunately he is only 3 months old, I know his mama will appreciate it). As I said "Just trying to be a blessing!!" HAHA

Get Your Shoppin' Shoes on...

Black Friday - The BIGGEST Shopping Day Of The YEAR!
I can hardly wait! To check out all of the latest sale Ads - check this out!

Wow, I see stuff at Staples and Target. I am upset I do not see much at WalMart. Maybe my children are getting out of the small toys...Now they want North Face Jackets and Nike Shock Tennis shoes.!$!$

Two of my friends always call on Thanksgiving night to see if we have a route mapped out! We leave in the wee hours but I am always home by 8AM so Husband can go to work. It is always crazy, but always fun!

Of course I will be at CVS getting all those freebies!
I sat down and pulled out all of my coupons for the following "freebies" after EBC bucks:

NANCY here is your de-coder: ECB is "Extra Care Buck" and wyb is "When You Buy" Just trying to be a blessing!!!
$6.99 ECB's wyb Bic Soleil Razor (1 razor, 2 cartridges & 1 shower holder) - LIMIT ONE per card
$5.69 ECB's wyb Johnson's Softlotion 11-14oz. - LIMIT ONE per card
$4.00 ECB's wyb Advil PM Caplet 20ct. or Liqui-gel 16ct. - LIMIT ONE per card
$3.99 ECB's wyb Softsoap Nutra-Oil Moisturising Body Wash 12oz. - LIMIT ONE per card
$3.79 ECB's wyb Excedrin 24ct. asstd. types- LIMIT ONE per card
$2.99 ECb's wyb Hershey's Chocolate : Extra Dark 5.1-5.2oz., antioxidant or whole bean 4.2oz. pouch - LIMIT ONE per card
$2.49 ECB's wyb Tylenol 10ct. - LIMIT ONE per card
$1.49 ECB's wyb Enviga Sparkling Green Tea single 12oz. can - LIMIT ONE per card
$5.99 ECB's wyb Garnier 100% Color - LIMIT TWO per card
$2.99 ECB's wyb Colgate Toothpaste (Total Advanced Clean plus Whitening 4.2oz. or Maxfresh Burst 4oz.) - LIMIT THREE per card
$1.79 ECB's wyb CVS/pharmacy Zipper Seal Food Storage Bags (storage 20ct. or 1-gal. Freezer 15ct.) - LIMIT THREE per card

With all of my coupons and EBC bucks I estimate I will spend $8.00 cash for all of that! No I do not color my hair, but I do use (or will if I have it) everything else. I plan on donating the hair color! If you send me your hair color number I'll donate it to you!

Happy sales hunting!

Meals and Deals

I have been baking this morning! My house smells so good. I made chocolate chip banana muffins, Lemon Poppyseed Bread, Green Beans and Artic Freeze Salad. Now I have a 7 pound turkey roasting that I got for $5.66! WOW! I love a bargain!

We are leaving tomorrow to go my my Aunt DiDi's house for a HUGE family reunion! They do this annually, but we have never been on Thanksgiving. I really cannot wait to see everyone. My girls were two the last time we saw everyone (they are almost nine).

I found some movie vouchers Husband brought home over the summer that expire the end of December. I have made an executive decision, Son will have a Movie party since we have 6 passes to use! That is simple and I do not have to worry about the house and all those boys!!! Now I need to see what is playing that 10-11 year-old will like.

Fortunately we have been very calm on the home front with very little drama! Sorry about not posting! I hope you have a very THANKful Turkey day! And most of all, a great SALE HUNTING FRIDAY! I will be out and about scooping up all the good deals!

Super Savings

One of my favorite stores is Big Lots. Check out this great coupon for 20% off your entire purchase!
Have Fun!

Several of my friends want to know how I find the best deals - the Internet! No, I am not sitting around with sales flyer's all over my house and coupons laying everywhere! I have a couple of sites that constantly give updates on the deals!

On Black Friday, Walgreens will have Tide Liquid Detergent 13-16 loads $1.99, limit 2. There was a .50 c/o in the P&G 11/4 insert.
There will also be a free Gillette Venus Breeze or Fusion Power Phantom Razor free after rebate, plus use a $2 coupon from the P&G 10/14 insert for $2 overage.
CoverGirl Outlast Lip Color will be $2.99 less a $1 Easy Saver c/o. Also use a $1 CoverGirl Lip c/o from 10/14 P&G insert. Final price .99. (NANCY DID YOU READ THIS??) Doors open at 7am. Prices good until 2 pm.

If you live by a Best Buy, they have computers and laptops for a great deal!

At Wal Greens this week this one jumped out. Combine a manufacturer c/o with the Easy Saver c/o for free hand sanitizer. We should all be able to get a nice supply of Purell. My Wal Greens was out, but she gave me a rain check for two of them! This is also a good item to donate to soldiers:
Purell Hand Sanitizer $2.99
- $2.50 Easy Saver c/o
- $1.50 c/o (S 11/18) or - $1.50 c/o (S 10/7) or - $1 c/o (S 9/23)
Final price at least FREE

I hope this helps you find great deals! If you see something good let me know! I love to save money!

Awareness

Let's Go Ladies.......today is the day - your other monthly reminder!

We Are Family

Guess what I did yesterday??? I met my sister and mother for lunch and coupon swapping!! We had so much fun. Who would have thought swapping coupons and sharing deals could be so much fun!

Of course our first objective was to decide on lunch. We thought we had a great deal on lunch until we read the fine print and the coupon was only valid at dinner. Can you guess where we ate...


I got to sit in the back with Sister's sweet baby. Oh he is so SWEET! Look at this little face. He rarely ever cries, just a small pout...
Okay maybe a big pouttie lip, but it still so sweet.
My Mama gave me an Ipod docking station! I can now listen to my new tunes in the kitchen! I love it! Thank you Mama!! That is Honey her baby helping me open it!



I had to have a conference with one of my third grade teachers last week about our falling reading grade. Well, that conference made all the difference in the world! I was told she was disorganized and did not pay attention. I was devastated! I am the most organized person I know and how did my child not get this gene? Well, I came home and organized her notebook and added "study-guide sleeves" to her notebook and labeled everything: Reading, Spelling, Social Studies... I explained how she needed to place the study guide INSIDE the pockets, not just inside her backpack. We had 6 test last week and she made 100% on every single one! I was so proud of her.

I tell you all this to explain why we spent 45 minutes in the Hallmark store last night so they could all three spend their money on a Webkin. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

It was painful watching them struggle to decide which one to get. The Reindeer is the pet of the month for December and they could not decide if it was worth it or not. If you have not seen these things, congratulations! They are the talk of our house.

Once they finish homework and anything else I need them to do I allow them to get on the computer and "play" with their animal. They have actually learned alot from these little guys. They have to earn money to buy food to feed them on the site as well as make sure they get enough rest or they get sick. I have actually devised a discipline system from the Webkins that works like a charm. In the morning after I wake them up I come downstairs and start the timer at 60 minutes. They have to get dressed, eat, pack up their backpack, shoes, teeth and coats. We then check the time and the remaining time is how long they get in the afternoon to play on the computer. I can also take 5 minutes away for fighting, not following directions... you catch on! Some days they only have 15 minutes, others they may have 30 or more. This system has worked great for a couple of weeks now! Do you have other motivations at your house? I'd love to hear about them!

Rite Aid Deals!

Do you have an Eckerds/RiteAid? They are now the same thing.

Look at these deals that are FREE! Once you get home enter your receipt online and submit for your check! It only takes 2 weeks max to get your money!!!

This week there are double rebates on some products, must be purchased 11/11 - 11/17. Here are the deals I found so far:

Nature Made Rx Essentials Daily Supplement Nutrients $9.98
-$4.99 Single Check Rebate
-$4.99 Bonus Single Check Rebate (only valid 11/11-11/17)
-$5 c/o (coupon was in S in the paper on 10/21) or $1 c/o (S#2 11/4)
Final price $5 PROFIT

Glade Scented Light Show Berry $7.99-$2 Single Check Rebate
-mail in rebate form up to $12.50 (Sunday's paper S 11/11)
Final price $2 PROFIT

Excedrin 50 ct $4.99-$2 c/o (S#2 11/11, S 10/21 or S#2 9/9)
-mail in rebate up to $4.99 (S#2 11/11, S 10/21 or S#2 9/9)
Final price up $2 PROFIT

Tums Antacid $3.29
-$1/2 c/o (S#2 10/7)
-$1 c/o Sugar Free or Smoothies (S#2 10/7)
-1 c/o Kids (S#2 11/11)
-TMF mail in offer (S#2 11/11)
Final price up to $1 PROFIT

Renuzit Pearl Scents Air Freshener $2.49
-$1.50 Single Check Rebate
-$1 c/o (S#2 11/11)
Final price .01 PROFIT

Mom's in Atlanta

For those of you with babies and in the Atlanta area here is a great new site for Atlanta Moms to get gently used itemd! Looks great! Too bad I am past that stage!!!!!

Ladies, We are Different

I received this as an email and know I have many "non-medical" friends out there that read and wanted to share this with you! Thanks to my good friend at Me and The Other Three for sharing!

I was aware that female heart attacks are different, but this is the best description I've ever read. You all take care out there!

Women and heart attacks (Myocardial infarction)

Did you know that women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have when experiencing heart attack...you know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest & dropping to the floor that we see in the movies. Here is the story of one woman's experience with a heart attack.

'I had a completely unexpected heart attack at about 10:30 pm with NO prior exertion, NO prior emotional trauma that one would d suspect might've brought it on. I was sitting all snugly & warm on a cold evening, with my purring cat in my lap, reading an interesting story my friend had sent me, and actually thinking,'A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft, cushy Lazy Boy with my feet propped up.' A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you've been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you've swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in s low motion and it is most uncomfortable. You realize you shouldn't have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and this time drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was my initial sensation---the only trouble was that I hadn't taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m.

'After that had seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be rac ing up my SPINE (hind-sight, it was probably my aorta spasming), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR). This fascinating process continued on into my throat and branched out into both jaws.

'AHA!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening--we all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven't we? I said aloud to myself and the cat, 'Dear God, I think I'm having a heart attack !' I lowered the foot rest, dumping the cat from my lap, started to take a step and fell on the floor instead. I thought to myself 'If this is a heart attack, I shouldn't be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else...but, on the other hand, if I don't, nobody will know that I need help, and if I wait any longer I may not be able to get up in a moment.'

'I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the e next room and dialed the Paramedics... I told her I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I didn't feel hysterical or afraid, just stating the facts. She said she was sending the Paramedics over immediately, asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to unbolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in.

'I then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness, as I don't remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting me onto a gurney or getting me into their ambulance, or hearing the call they made to St. Jude ER on the way, but I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the Cardiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance. He was bending over me asking questions (probably something like 'Have you taken any medications?') but I couldn't make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and nodded off again, not waking up until the Cardiologist and partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart where they installed 2 side by side stints to hold open my right coronary artery.

'I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-3 0 minutes before calling the Paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and both the fire station and St. Jude are only minutes away from my home, and my Cardiologist was already to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and the procedure) and installing the stints.

'Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? Because I want all of you who are so important in my life to know what I learned first hand.'

1. Be aware that something very different is happening in your body not the usual men's symptoms, but inexplicable things happening (until my sternum and jaws got into the act ). It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last) MI because they didn't know they were having one, and commonly mistake it as indigestion, take some Maalox or other anti-heartburn preparation, and go to bed, hoping they'll feel better in the morning when they wake up....which doesn't happen. My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly like mine, so I advise you to call the Paramedics if ANYTHING is unpleasantly happening that you've not felt before. It is better to have a 'false alarm' visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!

2. Note that I said 'Call the Paramedics'. Ladies, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER--you're a hazard to others on the road, and so is your panicked husband who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what's happening with you instead of the road. Do NOT ca ll your doctor--he doesn't know where you live and if it's at night you won't reach him anyway, and if it's daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the Paramedics. He doesn't carry the equipment in his car that you need to be saved! The Paramedics do, mainly OXYGEN that you need ASAP. Your Dr. will be notified later

3. Don't assume it couldn't be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count. Research has discovered that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of an MI (unless it's unbelievably high, and/or accompanied by high blood pressure.) MI's are usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...

Be Careful What You Say

This is from petpeeving

Some people that work here had a going away party the other day for a woman that is leaving.

One of the supervisors called a Walmart and ordered the cake. He told them to write: “best wishes Suzanne” and underneath that write “we will miss you”. Here’s the cake that was delivered:




I just think that is sooooo funny!!!!

The GREAT!!!

This was a great game! They played Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Night!

They lost last night 4-2. They got 2ND place and a great trophy! Here is a picture from the Shoot-Out Monday night! Fortunately they did not have another tie! That was torture for the Mama!

Husband skipped out on the last part of the meeting yesterday and caught an earlier flight! He was at the fields for both of their 6 o'clock games! They were so happy to see their Daddy!

Savings NUT

Check out the BARGAINS from CVS!
Body soap, water, lighter, softsoap refill, cashews, tums, vitamin C, Colgate, 100 calorie packs and a few fall items that were 90% off!! The best part- between coupons and EBC Bucks I paid out $2.76 CASH! Man this is fun! Plus I earned $28 EBC Bucks for next week!



My RiteAid is very SLOOOWWWW about their change over from Eckerds, so yours may not have this deal. They are not going to carry Energizer batteries so they are 75% off! I bought 12 packs for $1.19 each! Too bad last night when Son won second place at the soccer playoffs my batteries went dead in my new camera and I did not have a pack. Sick!!! Oh I was mad at myself.

Ho Ho Ho

Are you starting to think about CHRISTmas? I found this great post and had to share! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Do you have a family tradition? I would love to hear about it!

Every year I try to make a meaningful CHRISTmas card. Some years it has turned out better than others. I already have the wording for this years card and I think I have decided on the picture. Now I need to put it all together. It's only November 9th!

This year we are going skiing before Christmas so I need to get moving! I am loosing several days this shopping season. I also want to decorate the house the week of Thanksgiving. We are going to my Aunt's and my Mother-In-Laws so I do not have to do a big lunch this year and can start earlier!!! Husband will be thrilled :)

You know how frugal and organized I am, I think I want to ask for a label maker this year. Just think of all the things I could label! Pantry, storage bins in the girls closet (that I have not organized yet...) That could be BIG fun!

What is on your CHRISTmas list?

Soccer Hero!!!!

We WON! The girls played first and they did great and then Brother played and was unbelievable! He stopped EVERYTHING! They did not score on him! His little smile in the car was priceless! He knew he did good!

Everyone plays again Thursday night at 6PM. Gotta love that! I do not know how I will split myself onto two fields but we'll figure it out! I may need to call on some Grandparents! hint hint!

I am going to Atlanta today for my big haircut! A little nervous about my new do. We plan to go to lunch afterwards. We have decided not to shop since our tall friend is in a boot with a broken foot. We figured we'd take one for the team and skip out! We will just be saving money, right?

I'm in a hurry to get children up from only 8 hours of sleep (they require 10+). I will post soccer pictures soon!

Monday Moments on Tuesday

Husband has gone to Disney World for a meeting with Ford! I found out he is staying on the resort...what was he thinking not taking us. The children will be so upset if they find out Mickey is tucking Daddy in at night!

I got this Sunday's paper! WOW! All the coupons, I was in heaven! If any of my dear friends are crazy enough to throw those valuable things out, please pass them my way! I am having a field day getting things for free or almost free!

Yesterday was spent SHOPPING! Sad when the highlight of my day is CVS and WalGreens! Anyway, the deals were wonderful! Sugar and Chocolate chips are on sale at Walgreens/stacked with a coupon is great for the CHRISTmas baking season! The children have really taken an interest in cooking so I think we will have BIG fun baking in the kitchen this year!

My son had his first playoff game last night. Yes, you guessed it-they won so they play again tonight. He is the goalie and of course they tied 2-2 and went into overtime. They played two 5 minute periods and no one scored so they went to a shoot out. AHHHHAHAHHAHAHHHHHHHHHH... That is too tense for this Drama Mama to be able to handle. They take their five best players and let them shoot against him. My poor baby. The tension was unreal. He only let two get by! He is so good!
Tonight the girls have their first game at 6pm and then Son plays at 7:30. It will be 9:30 when we get home. Pray for me tomorrow morning. My children require 10 hours+ sleep. I know it is not going to be pretty.

I walked with Apple-Dumplin yesterday and today! We walked hard and far today! She told me about her drama at the soccer field last night. Her daughter was barely on the field 10 minutes and her husband was UPSET she had not been given more playing time. He marched over to the coaches side with about 10 minutes left to play and started in on them.. she was mortified. She told him last night (and I quote) "Why do you have to act like the TRASH that we are." Oh I think that is hilarious. She is a hoot! You would love her. Needless to say their season is over (I'm jealous). ;)

I will post pictures tomorrow. I also want to share my savings this week. Here is a coupon for $3 off Post-it notes. I love those things!

This Weeks Savings

My dear "Tall Friend" is laid up with a broken foot. I thought I would give her some good reading material and also share it with you! I also have some of the deals for this week listed!

Here is the scoop on CVS.
Use this coupon for $2 off $10 or more!

Do you want to learn more about shopping for "free" at CVS? Read this great post!!

Here is the scoop on Rite Aid/Eckerds.

Here are the Publix Items!

20% off Children's Placehttp://beingfrugal.net

Print out a B1G1F coupon on Tropicana 20 oz, click here

This is my favorite site! I read this daily! She went on vacation last week and it about killed me - the audacity of her spending precious time with her family...

One Last site and this should do you for a while!

Christmas Present Idea

I want to make a few of these hard back books! They look great!

Angela at mommy bytes is giving away six HP Photo Books.

I also plan to decorate paint cans that were never used. You wrap a 12x12 piece of paper around them (one for top and coordinating one for the bottom half). Then you put ribbon around the middle - SUPER CUTE! Really fun for Teacher's gifts! If I finish ONE I'll post a picture!

The Children

This was a great Halloween! The girls were each puppy dogs and brother was a blast from the '70's!!


They were able to play in two Jumpies and a huge slide! They won as much candy as they collected at the Trunk or Treat! This mean Momma made them pick out 10 pieces to put in their "Candy-stash." Yes, I know about it. It is under their bed and I can't stand it (my OCD kicking in). They said I was mean for not letting them keep all of it.

Do you let your children have access to all that candy? Besides I did what every good mother did last night after they went to bed - I picked out my favorites!!!!!

Brother had a hard time deciding what he wanted to be. Last year he was Micheal Vick, but this year he felt too cool for any of that. I tried to convince him to be Micheal Vick again and let his sisters be his fighting dogs, but he didn't go for that!!!

Happy Halloween

Oh What BIG Fun!!!

We went to the church for a Trunk-or-Treat and for a Fall Festival all in one! The children and the adults had a blast! I did not get a whole lot of shots... I was to busy swinging my BLOND hair! The girls decided not to be Hannah Montana so SOMEBODY had to wear the wig...!

The model before you is sporting a lovely green polyester jacket and matching pants! The red lipstick makes the ensemble!
I am beside an Auburn cheerleader and a scarecrow and her "twin" another scarecrow!! These are my buddies from our HomeTeam! We saw a couple of our other members...but they were not in costume!! I think the adults had as much fun as the children did. When husband arrived I think he was a little shocked to see his bride blond! He kept telling everyone he was taking a blond home...

Organizing One Room At A Time

I am getting organized with Organized Junkie!
I am going to organize my storage pantry and my girls bedroom. I have a couple of clever ideas that I hope to pull off.

First I have to remember to take BEFORE pictures. I will keep you posted on my progress. I really should tackle our walk-in attic, but that is too much work!

If you decide to take the challenge let me know! I could use the motivation! You know how competitive I am! ;)

Rite Aid Deals!

I know I am crazy about saving money... I want to show you what I got for FREE!!! Actually I paid $2.43 in tax, but really it was free. Eckerds was bought out by Rite Aid and we have one on the other side of town! Rite Aid offers "Single-Check Rebates" that you process online - no mailing, copying, stamps, etc. All you have to do is enter the receipt number online.


Here is what I earned for free: two Oral B toothbrushes, Dream hair cream and shampoo(for my frizzy, can't stand this humidity, hair), an extension cord (that I needed for the lamps I moved when I played house yesterday), Contact solution for Husband and sandwich baggies for FREE...FREE...FREEEEEEE. I love this!

I am not sure which I love more, getting items for free or being able to post about them WITH A PICTURE!!!

Okay one more picture!! This is what Harley does when I let him out - Sunbathes. He will sit on the porch for hours watching the cars go by! He is not in a fence, chained up or even have an electric fence. Such a Simple Life!