THE SILVER LINING

W is for Why?

2012-01-13T23:35:00.010-05:00

W is for Why?

It has been a long time since I posted, I thought I would zip straight through the alphabet. Who would think I would get hung up on the letter “W”? There are so many good W words.

Wait

Worry

Want

Walter

And, many more I could have chosen.

Nothing motivated me, nothing struck a chord. Today, on a day when I have so many emotions fighting for exposure, it hits me.

WHY

Such a small word.

I remember when our oldest was just a little boy. He was consumed with this word. He was not content with simple answers, but wanted to know the “why” in every circumstance. His “whys” varied from: why he didn’t get his way in a particular instance, to the more complex “whys”. Why does the light switch actually turn on a light? Why does thunder roar? Why does the water come out of the kitchen sink. His “whys” were soon muddled with “hows”, and he became full of wonder. After my futile attempts to answer such questions, and after a day when all I did was repeatedly answer, I came up with a solution to appease both of us. When I could no longer satisfy him, I would just tell him that I did not know, and that we would have to ask Uncle Jim. This was a stroke of brilliance on my part. Jake would patiently wait until the next time my brother stopped by, and then bombard him with his saved up questions. I remember clearly the day that Jim sat at our dining room table and drew out a diagram, complete with circuits and breakers, to explain that there is a lot going on inside the walls behind the light switch. He convinced Jake that turning on a light really isn’t magic.

It is odd, that as grown ups, our “whys” are not so easily answered.

Today, I am struggling with a “why” that Uncle Jim cannot solve.

On this day, another little boy, one that I am sure was full of “whys” and full of wonder, has gone to live with Jesus. He lost his battle with a serious illness and after just 5 years on this earth, and has left a terrible void in the lives of those who love him.

I did not know this boy. I knew his father and his father’s family, I knew some of his mother’s family, and I had met his mother. Not knowing him has not made this any easier to understand. I have still asked why.

If you have followed my blog, you know that I am a Christian. You know that I do not blame God for things that I have endued. You know that I continue to love and trust Him. But, does that always mean I understand Him?

No.

There are many scriptures that bring comfort, but not complete understanding. Yet, I realize that we only hold a small piece of the puzzle, and must wait to see the complete picture.

It is not my brother that I wait for to explain the answers, yet a loving Father. One who knit this little boy in his mother’s womb, one that knew everything about him. A loving Father who has numbered our hairs, and our days.
I may not know the answer to this “why” while I live on this earth, but I am patiently waiting for my visit with my Father, when I will sit with Him and ask Him all of my saved up questions.

At the top of my blog is a quote. It has hung out there for a long time. I am drawn to it often:

"Today I am one day nearer home than ever before. One day nearer the dawning when the fog will lift, mysteries clear, and all question marks straighten up into exclamation points! I shall see the King!" (Vance Havner)

My “whys” will be answered.

V is for Vodou (Voodoo)

2011-08-04T22:42:00.004-04:00

is for Vodou (Haitian name for voodoo)

Now, the first thing I want to say is that I do not practice or have any belief in voodoo, but it does bring up a strong memory. I feel that by including this in my blog, it will be a reminder to me of Haiti's greatest need.

In 1993, after watching the slides from missionaries that were based in Haiti, I had a strong urge to go there. I honestly felt such a calling, if you will, to leave my family and be part of a team from our church that was going on a 2 week trip to assist the mission already based there. I told my husband that it was not that I really wanted to leave, but that I wanted to go. I have rarely felt so strongly that I was supposed to do something as I did then. It was in July, and I traveled with the second group from our church. Most had left a few days before, but due to some prior commitments, 4 of us traveled later.

Here I was, arriving in Haiti, when I had barely traveled anywhere else. This would be my first real plane ride, and many other firsts. I must admit that the first day there, I wondered what I was getting myself into. I developed a serious migraine on that first day, and wondered if I could make it.

As the days went on I knew I was supposed to be there, yet I still was realizing that our cultures are so very different. Everything was different, the poverty, the lack of communication abilities, the landscape, and the religion.

One night in particular, while we were trying to sleep (we slept on the roof of the mission on cots due to the heat) we could hear voodoo drums in the distance. That was definitely a strange experience for me, and to be honest , I felt evil around me. I prayed very hard that night, Although I knew that my God is greater than any evil around me, I needed to speak His name over and over for my own peace. I also prayed for the people of Haiti. We think sometimes that their biggest problem is their poverty, and that groups go there just to meet physical needs. We see and hear often of humanitarian groups that provide food, and medical help. Yes, these are real needs, and the poverty was overwhelming. But their greatest need is for the Lord God to rescue them from the evil that is all around them.

It has been many years since I returned from that trip, and to be honest, I do not think of these people as often as I should. There have been quite a few people that I know that have gone on similar trips since then, and each time it causes me to remember Haiti. I hope that somehow the focus of this post will also help me, and perhaps for those of you who read it will remember the Haitian people as well.

U is for Ugly

2011-08-02T13:08:00.005-04:00

is for Ugly.

Now, I must admit that the letter U had me stumped for a very long time. Well over a month. I did not want to go with umbrella, or unicorn, or anything starting with "un". I had to wait until something inspired me. With the current heat wave I am not getting inspired by much, so the challenge was great.

Today it hit me:
Ugly.

Not the word you would expect me to devote a post to. This blog is about the "Silver Lining", and the whole concept of that is supposed to be positive. Is there anything positive in such a word as ugly?

I think so.

The first thing I think of is the old adage, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Well, isn't the same true with ugly? Be it dogs, decor, or even people, we all have different ideas about which one is pretty or ugly.

I have a scar.

It is quite large, and in reality is shaped much like the letter U. By the world's standards it is undesirable, unattractive, and ugly (three Us). But think about this. That one scar on my body is a reminder of the grace of God, a reminder of surviving what I later learned was a cancer that was very much not in my favor, and very much a smile from God. (You can read about 'A smile from God" here)

During our summer youth conference we sometimes have a small group ice breaker called "show me your scar". It is amazing that people young and old really like the opportunity to tell the story about their physical scars. You will hear stories about bicycle accidents, sports injuries, and surgeries. There is something about talking openly about what people are taught never to discuss or question. It is rather "freeing". It seems to turn what one would think of as being ugly into a story. I just happen to have a visible scar close enough to my face that makes it seem a taboo subject to talk about.

I will admit that in the weeks following surgery, I was quite concerned about the appearance of this scar, and even blogged about my thoughts regarding it. You can read those initial thoughts here. But as time has passed and admit-tingly, as the scar and my opinion of it have improved, I realize that is is quite beautiful in many ways.

I do not think of it as ugly anymore. Truth be told, sometimes I forget I have it, and sometimes it takes me noticing that someone else, a stranger, is fixated on it before I stop to think about it.

I have taken this to heart. When I see a scar on someone else, especially if it is large, or facial, or what some would call dis-figuring, I try to remember that there is a story behind it. That perhaps that scar has saved their life, that perhaps that scar is a reminder of a serious event that has changed them, but I will never think it as being ugly.

If ugly is also in the eye of the beholder. Let's behold beauty instead.

T is for Teaching

2011-06-22T09:59:00.004-04:00

is for teaching

I am not technically a "teacher".
-But I teach. I have been a teaching assistant with our district for 16 years. In high school I was in the Future Teachers of America club, but I did not really want to be a teacher. I wanted to be a dentist. I decided though, midway through my senior year that I would go to Bible College and possibly teach Christian Education in a church setting.

Things changed again, and I returned home in the middle of my junior year for a number of reasons. My mother was seriously ill, and that is where I needed to be. Strange though, because my first job after getting married had nothing to do with teaching, but instead had everything to do with dentistry. I worked for an orthodontist for over 5 years.

Then after a few years staying at home with our boys, I returned to the workforce. I became a teaching assistant with our local district. First, I helped in an early childhood classroom. We had a morning class, and then all new students for an afternoon class. May I just go on record to say that those teachers work their behinds off? Imagine a class load and all of the paperwork involved of about 40 children total? Kudos to them.

After a few years, I switched over to older kids and have spent the last 13 years with 4th and 5th graders. The best part about my job, is that also for the last 13 years I have worked with the same teacher.
She is amazing as a teacher, a "boss", and as a friend.
She teaches with respect towards each student, and plans amazing activities for them as they discover more about the subject. You might say she has been my "boss" during these years, because I do work under her direction. Lucky for me, she respects me as well, and allows me to be creative in my own right. I am allowed to teach many subjects in small groups, and allowed to teach my "very favorite book of all time" to the entire class each year.
More than any of that, she has been my friend. 13 years has brought both joy and sorrow in each of our lives and we have shared each together.

I do love my job. I love teaching, but I also love the fact that I have been so blessed with who I work with.

Sadly, this next school year will be her last before retirement. She will be missed, and I will hopefully find another like her to continue my own career.

S is for Stuff

2011-06-16T08:06:00.004-04:00

is for Stuff

A wise friend once said, "Stuff complicates your life."

I have too much.

Now, I am not talking about consumable items, such as food and toiletries. I do have a supply of those things because I stockpile (buying at rock bottom prices to avoid ever paying retail). However, I do not stockpile to the extent that I fill a room.

I am talking about furniture, clothing, and decorative items. Our house if full from corner to corner and I long for a simpler lifestyle. I do not think I could ever be a true minimalist, owning 12 items of clothing, but I would greatly like to reduce what we own.

In 1993 I went on a short term mission trip to Haiti. One would think that after a trip there, I would never own anything in excess. Sadly, good old American consumerism has caught up with me. The items I put in our trash would be cherished by people there.

Part of my accumulation is due to the fact that I delay decisions. When I don't know quite what to do with an item, I put it in a closet, stuff it in a corner, or send it to the basement. Now, please don't start thinking I am going to try out to be on one of those "popular" hoarding shows. I am not where near that . All of our rooms in our home are functioning rooms, I just have too much stuff. I am not even emotionally attached to most of it, and would gladly clear it away. I just lack motivation and physical ability to lift some of it.

Someday however you may drive by and see a large sign;

FREE STUFF !

R is for Relastionships

2011-06-14T22:14:00.006-04:00

is for Relationships

This is where life gets real. I know that when I come to the end of my days, all that will really matter is how I handled relationships: my relationship with Christ, and mine with people. There is just so much stuff that will not matter at all.

My relationship with Christ is still evolving. Although I have been a Christian for over 37 years, I am no where near where I should be. I am always learning more about Christ and desiring to be more like Him. I mess up, I am lazy, I get full of myself. Sometimes I wish God graded on a curve and I could just compare myself to the "really bad" people and the "really good" people and I could feel like I am closer to the really good. Sometimes I am in a slump in my relationship with Christ. I do not feel close to Him because I am not making enough of an effort. When you really stop and think that the God of the Universe wants nothing more that for us to spend time with Him, it really humbles you. I need that closeness. When I was going through my health issues I honestly felt closer to God than I ever have, I felt such a dependence on Him and such a longing. I want to feel that way again, but without the trials.

I think it is beautiful too, that God not only wants us to be in good relationship with Him, but truly cares how we treat people. He cares about my earthly relationships. There are times when I am so guilty of not doing enough to nurture them. Again, I get full of myself and my own little world that I do not reach out to others enough.

I know that God's plan for us is to love God and love people. A very simple plan, yet when put into action correctly can mean the world.
I will go to bed tonight thanking God for those He surrounds me with on a daily basis and for those I love that I do not get to see very often.

Q is for Quandary

2011-06-13T17:31:00.005-04:00

Q is for Quandary

That is what I am in the midst of. Q is just not an easy letter. Here were my options that I felt I could at least get one paragraph :

Questions- I have a lot of questions that I want to ask God someday. I would list them here, but really, they are for God. Thing is, I am thinking that once I see Him face to face, I won't care so much anymore to learn the answers.

Quiet- I am not a quiet person. I always admire the soft spoken women out there. I can bet though, that most soft spoken women were not number 9 in their birth order, and definitely did not have 7 older brothers.

Quest- my brother suggested that, but it did not float my boat.

So you see why Q has to stand for quandary, because I am absolutely perplexed.

P is for Psalms 34:4

2011-06-12T18:06:00.003-04:00

is for Psalms 34:4

I actually had multiple choices floating around in my head for the letter P. I thought about prayer, parents, and perseverance. Each of those words bring up many thoughts. However, I decided to share another one of my favorite verses, which in reality makes me think of each of the other words I was considering.

I was in my freshman year of college, and learned that my mother was sick. Seriously sick. Cancer was found in her colon and she would need major surgery. I was alone the night I got the call from my sister and I was so upset. I went to my room, and did the thing that never ends well...I opened my Bible and let it fall open. I had just enough faith or naivety, to believe that God would speak to me in this way. I know now that I could have opened my Bible to a verse that made no sense at all in my circumstance, but I didn't.

The verse I found that night was exactly what I needed to hear.

"I sought the Lord and He answered me, He delivered me from all my fears." Psalms 34:4

What a sweet verse for a young girl who is fearful and lonely. I have since gone back and read the entire 34th chapter and it is a very comforting passage to someone who is hurting.

I will admit, I am not the best at memorizing scripture, but this and my verse from Ephesians are etched in my mind. There are others as well, but these two in particular hold very special meaning.

I do connect this verse with prayer and with parents for that matter, since I found it when I was concerned about Mother. I also think that seeking the Lord is a part of perseverance, so I guess all of my "P" words can be found in this one verse.

O is for Optimism

2011-06-11T08:07:00.004-04:00

is for Optimism

I must admit that I was stumped.

When I started blogging through the alphabet I knew there would be certain letters that would be difficult. This was one of them, so much so that I asked my facebook friends to help. One of them wisely suggested that it should be optimism, “because isn’t that what the Silver Lining is all about?”

The name for my blog actually has a dual meaning.

Yes it is about the proverbial silver lining, and that we should look for one behind even our darkest moments, but it has another meaning. My maiden name was Silver. When I decided to do a blog nearly 5 years ago I could not think of a name. My brother-in-law and niece came up with this name because of my silver hair and former last name. It seemed to fit not only as a name, but also as a direction. I would attempt to give a positive outlook on things.

Now, on to optimism: I wish I was always an optimistic person. I think I try to be, but actually I tend to worry about things far too much. My family will tell you that as well.

I do know that during the trials in my life I have been more optimistic than not. Only because I learned to trust God, and when you really put your trust in Him you have to look at things in a positive light. How could we doubt when we have the God of the Universe on our side?

I know that perhaps someone will stumble upon this post, or this blog for that matter and I would pray that something I have written could be an inspiration to them. Perhaps a bit of optimism does shine through this Silver Lining.

At the risk of really dating myself, I remember a song from my childhood. It popped into my head as I woke up this morning. The famous Frank Sinatra sang a silly song about optimism about an ant that wanted to move a rubber tree plant. The song was about high hopes. I could sing it for you if you wanted.

I think we do all need a does of that now and then, the belief that we can do the impossible. Brings another verse to mind..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13

That is true optimism.

N is for Neighbors

2011-06-10T09:32:00.005-04:00

is for Neighbors

It helps if they are good ones.
It also helps if we are good ones.
Growing up there were some very special people next door: Mr. and Mrs. Adolfs. They were older and were like a second set of Grandparents to me.
I remember Mother telling me that when we moved in beside them that Mrs. Adolfs was really worried about a family with "all those children". She told Mother that the first day she saw the laundry on the line and "all those nice white shirts" that it must be a good family. She loved all of us ever since.

MY sister and I would go to her house to have tea parties. Well, we thought they were tea parties, she would give us something to drink and she always had almond windmill cookies. (I still think of her every time I eat one.)
One day in particular we were at their house and I asked if she had any candy. She had a "milk glass" candy dish with a lid on her coffee table and she usually had it filled. Thing is, I had sneaked a peak before asking so I knew it was full. She figured that out quickly and told me that yes, she had candy, but since I had lifted the lid to check without asking first, that Icould not have any. She gave my sister a piece to eat right in front of me. I was crushed for a while, but soon I realized that she was almost a real grandma to do something like that and I loved her even more.

Her husband passed away later on, and she moved north to live with family. I wrote to her for a few years, but then lost touch. I miss those days of childhood.

You never know what influence you can have on a child. She was just a next door neighbor who opened her home and made children feel welcome.

When Steve and I moved into this neighborhood we were surrounded by elderly people. Widows and widowers were our neighbors. Our boys were the only children in our cluster of houses and they were loved.

Mr. Lindley lived next door and of all things, he had a trapeeze type swing in his garage. It was left over from his days of raising children and our boys loved it. The boys also loved his little dog Pal, and would spend much time in his yard.
Mrs. Nicholas lived across the street and she loved visits from the two little Walter boys. She would get rides to the mall and she often brought back special cookies for the boys. I remember one time the cookies were huge teddy bear cookies that were dipped in chocolate. The boys loved them.

Then there was Wilma.
Wilma moved across the street when the boys were young. Joel was still taking two naps a day. She became a part of our family immediately. She loved flowers, and some of the plants in my yard came from her, although I was told you can't say thank you for plants or they won't grow. She taught me how to make peanut brittle, although I never mastered it. She also told many stories of the years she spent with her husband and of her teaching career. She was a great friend.
Her heart and health deteriorated and she is no longer with us.
The family invited me over the night after she passed so I could pick out treasures from her home. We are blessed with many precious items that were special to her and now are special to us.

Think about your neighbors. They are a part of your lives, and can bless you tremendously. I also need to think about us. Are we the same type of neighbors?

M is for Mother

2011-06-09T07:34:00.002-04:00

is for Mother

Isn’t M always for Mother? I mean what else would it be?

I had one.

I am one.

I have an amazing Mother-in-law.

I had a sweet mother. She was 41 when I was born, the last of her babies, her 2^nd little girl after 7 boys. She had a special way of loving. Each of us 9 children grew up thinking we were her favorite, (but I’m sure I really was). Mother was a stay at home mom until I reached 4^th grade. Due to health issues Daddy could no longer work, and Mother found a job at a local bakery. What a great job to a kid. Donuts, cakes, pies, and fresh bread would come home with Mother on a daily basis. Not good for a growing girl’s metabolism, but boy did they taste great. After my sister and I got a few years older we would make weekly trips to downtown to spend our allowance, and we always stopped at “Mother’s bakery”. She was promoted along the way to a cake decorator and we loved watching her put the cake up on the turntable and make roses to decorate it. A few years later she moved down the street to a job at Kresgees, and then to a Kmart before resigning due to her own health issues.

The worse thing about Mother is that I did not have her long enough. I was just 21 years old before she passed away, 5 weeks before my wedding, and much too soon if you ask me. I would like to think that I have inherited a few things from her. I know that some of my shopping strategies were from her, and hopefully some of my cooking skills.

I miss her every day, and in reality I always will, but I know that someday I will have an amazing family reunion with her.

I am a mother.

I think because I had such a great mother it made me want to be one all the more. I have been blessed with two sons that I love dearly, and yes, each is my favorite. I pray that I can leave some of the things with them that Mother taught me and that they will also get to know her more through me.

I also have an amazing mother-in-law.

Even saying that is against traditional views. I have actually had her in my life much longer than I had my own mother, and have grown to love her so much over the years. She has also been one to teach me many things: how to love your husband more than any other earthly person, how to devote your life to serving God and others, and how to make a mean batch of chicken and noodles.

M has to be for Mothers!

L is for Lavish

2011-06-08T07:38:00.003-04:00

is for Lavish

I love that word. I love it that God lavished his goodness on us. I especially love how John put it:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” I John 3:1

I only ever used that word to describe mundane things, like putting on suntan lotion, but when I think if its full meaning, I am honestly in awe. The dictionaries describe it as being extravagant or extremely generous. I am not “extremely generous” with many things. I tend to hold back. I reserve some for me, carefully calculating just how much of anything I can give. I then count the cost of what I am giving and act accordingly.

But God did not hold back. I know He counted the cost, but He gave anyway.

I love this word so much that I almost want to reserve it just for describing what God did and how much He loves us. Nothing I do can compare.

K is for Kitchen

2011-06-07T07:38:00.002-04:00

K is for Kitchen

I destroyed mine.

In April of 2000, I accidentally set my kitchen on fire.

Joel and I were home that Saturday. He was in 8^th grade and he was hungry all of the time. He wanted leftover chicken strips and fries, and I decided to re-heat the fries in oil.

The oil needed to get hot before I put in the fries or they would get soggy, so I turned on the oil and went into our dining room to finish paying bills. I soon heard a noise, which sounded like Niagara Falls, and when I realized it was not Joel making noise, I got up to look. The flames were already up the wall and across the ceiling. I panicked, Joel remained calm.

We got out quickly, along with the cordless phone and our dog. That is all I grabbed. We could not find the cat. I frantically yelled for people to call 911, while I was trying to do the same. Joel calmly asked a neighbor lady to call.

Fire trucks were soon at our house and I remember being in almost a daze as I sat near a tree and watched all of the events unfold. I had tried to go back in for our cat, but as soon as I opened the front door the smoke was overpowering. I remember sitting under a tree, coughing, and having a neighbor girl bring me a glass of water. How thoughtful. The firemen soon found our cat, and while she too, was coughing hard, she was fine.

It is so surreal to think of all of this now.

We lived with Steve’s mom and dad for two months while our house was being cleaned and repaired. And due to some changes my kitchen became nearly twice the size. God truly made beauty from ashes and I was so grateful for insurance.

Life seems to change quickly sometimes, and I am just so thankful for a God who holds us during these very stressful times.

J is for Jake & Joel

2011-06-06T07:29:00.004-04:00

J is for Jake & Joel

No other way around this one folks. When I told Joel that I was going to blog through the alphabet, his immediate response was, “What is J going to be?” He already wondered which of them I would write about.

How does a mom choose? If she is smart, she doesn’t.

Steve and I were married for 6 years before Jake was born. I had had a miscarriage before Jake and then had complications for the first 5 weeks of my pregnancy with him. I was fearful for the rest of the pregnancy, and more than delighted when he was born. He brought so much joy to us. Neither of us could believe how much we could love someone. He was a happy baby for the most part, but did not sleep well at all. I am sure part of that was my fault because I would run in and grab him out of his crib at the least little whimper. He did not nap well either so I was a walking zombie for the entire first year.

22 months later Joel was born. We wondered before he was boys just how we could love someone as much as Jake, where does more love come from? Then we held him, and realized that in the very minute he was born, our love multiplied exponentially.

Joel was my sleeper. (still is…) He slept through the night early on, and took two long naps a day for a long time. I think most of that is because I vacuumed in his room while he was sleeping so that I would train him to sleep better than Jake.

I love my boys. I love the children they were and the men they have become. I look forward to watching where God takes them.

I would have to say that the letter J is very important to me!

I is for Imagination

2011-06-05T08:57:00.003-04:00

When I was a little girl I had one. Somehow through the years though, it disappeared.

I remember wanting to be Dale Evans. (For those of you who have no clue who she was, she was a famous singing cowgirl. Her husband was Roy Rogers and he was quite famous)

Dale Evans wore cowgirl skirts. They had fringe all across the bottom that swished when she walked. Little girls like fringe. Little girls like skirts that swish. I did not own a swishy skirt, nor did my sister. One day when our mother was not using all of the clothespins we decided to borrow them. It was soon discovered that if you place clothespins around the entire perimeter of a skirt it becomes a swishy skirt. It looked like fringe to us and for just a moment we lived the dream of being Dale Evans.

How imaginative was that?

One time I wanted to be a witch. Okay, I must have watched The Wizard of Oz, but being a witch on her broom was all I had on my mind. I walked outside near the barn and found a long lead pipe. Closest thing I could find to a proper witch’s broom. I placed it between my legs, held on as if it were my broom, and started down the path outside.

Lead pipes are heavy.

Lead pipes do not fly, they drop.

To this day I have a scar on my left thumb where the lead pipe landed on it and busted it open.

My sister and I would draw girls on paper, and then we would have them talk to each other. I know that just sounds sad, but it entertained us for hours. It is amazing what being poor can do for one’s imagination.

As I said though, somewhere along the line I lost my imagination.

Ahhh, but not to worry, as it left me, it entered my children. Our boys would come up with the best activities. I remember when they commandeered the vacuum hose and dressed as firemen, setting up chairs for their fire truck, complete with a stuffed animal as their fire-house dog. They took pretend trips to Mee-Mart (K-Mart) or pretended to be the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bakers. Often they dressed in character pajamas so they could save the world as Batman and Superman. I always felt safe when they were protecting me.

My greatest memories of their childhoods are of the times when they were pretending. What a joy it was to see what their minds would come up with.

Those moments fade so fast, and as adults we seldom pretend. We are too busy with life sometimes to have fun with it.

I may surprise you though, and if I show up someday wearing clothespins all across the bottom of my dress, please don’t think I have “ lost it”.

Please understand that I have found it.

H is for Health

2011-06-04T06:33:00.003-04:00

is for Health

Something I have the bad habit of taking for granted.

I know someone who had a very serious cancer. She was cured, but has also been know for being negative about basically everything. I vowed that if I were ever in that position I would surely be more upbeat and positive.

In a sense, I am in that position. Am I a positive person? I am not sure. I know I am not nearly as much as I should be.

Most who have been reading my blog already know about my health history. Much of the details are contained in prior posts. I am not reflecting on these events just to tell my readers about my story, yet to remind myself.

Funny, when I was walking through these events, I never thought I would want to be reminded.

The heart attack was first. May 27, 2008. It just seems so surreal to even think about those days, and to think that a heart attack saved my life. About a week or two after the heart attack, a test was done on my heart that essentially did save my life. That test showed the tumor on my thyroid. This later proved to be a rare form of thyroid cancer. There is a particular test, a blood marker that detects this form of cancer. This test was done prior to surgery, a normal reading is 2 and under. Mine was 1375. I was recently told that a number this high usually indicates that the cancer has spread. I was so blessed, because the surrounding lymph nodes (83 of them) were all clear, and I was surgically cured on September 10, 2008.

I still can hardly believe that God led me through this as He did. I don’t really ask Him why, although for a while I did. I wondered why I was cured when others are not. That is not a question for me to know at this point, so I stopped asking.

The cancer blood test is repeated every 6 months and will be for the rest of my life. This cancer can come back even without the thyroid. It can return in other parts of the body, and does not respond to chemo or radiation. Catching this early, and having it surgically removed is the best line of defense. Do I live in fear? I really don’t, but I would be lying if I did not say that I live in the shadow of cancer. I will mark 3 years this fall, and am anxious for the 5 year mark. Honestly, I am anxious for the 10, 20, and 30 year marks. While I try not to dwell on it, I do at times wonder if it will ever return.

I want to live a grateful life. I remember the day of my heart attack. I turned to the Doctor and told him that he had to make sure I lived. I told him that my boys could not lose their mother at this stage in their lives. I knew what it was like for me.

I thank God every day that He has allowed that not to happen.

I know I need to try better right now at keeping a healthier lifestyle. That is definitely a goal for me. Life on thyroid medicine has played havoc with my weight, and I need to get that under control. I know that my health is not only important to me, but to my family as well. I must not take this for granted.

G is for Grandparents

2011-06-03T07:25:00.002-04:00

is for Grandparents

I only had 2. Well, that is not entirely accurate, I only remember two. I never knew my daddy’s parents, one died right before I was born, and the other when I was about 2 years old. I have no memory of them at all.

My mother’s parents were amazing though. I have so many memories of going to their house, staying all night, spending time in their garden, swinging on their porch swing, and just being with them. My granddad was always a happy man, at least from what I remember. He reminded everyone of Colonel Sanders, and he really enjoyed that fact.

Granddad always had one certain type of white mints on his desk. They were a round, white, chalky type of mints and I remember that they had about 3 Xs on one side. Those mints were the first thing we looked for when we walked into their house. Candy was a luxury in our house, but at Grandma and Granddad’s we knew we were in luck.

I think the one thing I remember and appreciate the most about them was their faith. I would always see Granddad with a Bible close by, and no one could out-do my grandma on any church committee. They loved the Lord with all their heart, and their strongest desire was to see all of their family Love Him as well.

Granddad passed away when I was pregnant with our oldest. I so wish my boys would have known him, Grandma lived until she was ninety-nine. On a day, just 3 months shy of her 100^th birthday she woke up and announced that it was the day she was going to die. She assured everyone that before she died though, she would see an angel. I took that premonition serious and drove down to spend the day with her. At about 4:00 in that afternoon we called the ambulance because her bronchitis was sounding worse. As she was being taken out to the ambulance on a gurney, she called out to tell her daughter, my aunt, good-bye. My sister and my aunt got into the car to meet us at the hospital. I was allowed to climb in the back of the ambulance with grandma. Before we even left the driveway of her home, my grandma died. I was never told if she saw her angel, but I am pretty sure she did.

It is odd to me, that my own boys have only known one set of Grandparents as well. Both of my parents passed away before they were born. My husband’s parents have been the only ones they have known, and I am pleased that they too have a great faith that my boys can learn from.

I am not yet a grandma, I pray that I will be someday. Let me tell you now though, I am going to be a great one! I will even buy white mints and leave them on my desk!

F is for frugality

2011-06-02T07:20:00.002-04:00

is for frugality

Okay, you knew it was going to come up sooner or later. The switch over to frugality is definitely a major part of me, so I have to write about it.

Three years ago I had a pricy computer that I really felt should be more than an email and solitaire machine. I knew I wasn’t going to start a home business, but really felt I should be doing more.

Our sister in law happened to send me an email link to a frugal blog, and there it was: My answer as to what to do with my computer. I started researching this and other blogs to find out everything there was to know about coupons. I quickly learned where to find them, and when and where to use them. I went crazy at the beginning and in some ways it was expensive to save money. I thought I had to act on each and every deal that came along.

I have learned a lot since then. I am much wiser and a lot pickier about what deals I go after. The more I have gotten in to using coupons, the more I have learned to be frugal in other areas. I know the value of a dollar and try to stretch them further.

I have moved from learning the art of using coupons to teaching others, and I must say I get just as much of a rush from watching others get a great deal as I do with one of my own. I love sharing the ability that God has blessed me with and I get excited for each class!

E is for Ephesians 3:20-21

2011-06-01T07:14:00.005-04:00

is for Ephesians 3:20-21

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

I will admit that at first I wondered what the letter E would be, but all of a sudden it hit me. The logical post in a string of posts about me would be that of my life verse.

My definition of a life verse is one that you go back to over and over again, and actually it becomes a part of who you are.

This is the exact verse that I have gone to a number of times because it always reminds me of how much more God is able to do than I ever give Him credit. I think at times that I put God in a box. I fail to ask for certain things because I have this awful habit of limiting God’s power.

Immeasurably more…that pretty much tells you how big our God is.

Although I thought I knew my Bible pretty well, this verse was first brought to my attention in 1993. My friend Linda and I were sitting on an airplane, circling the Miami airport for landing when we started a conversation with a gentleman across the aisle. He asked where we were heading and we told him we were leaving Miami the next morning for a 2 week mission trip to Haiti. Linda and I were both a bit unsure of what we would experience and a bit apprehensive. This man asked if he could give us a verse to hide in our hearts. This was the verse.

This verse has come to my mind so many times since then. I have prayed many prayers since that night that I just did not know what the outcome would be. Each time I knew that God is bigger than I could possibly imagine and that whatever happened He would be in control.

I know that God’s ways are not always my ways (another verse) but I also know that He is able. In all things He is able. Sometimes He chooses not to do something, and I get that.

It will just always comfort me to know that He can.

D is for Dating

2011-05-31T07:19:00.002-04:00

is for Dating

Ahhh, dating. The whole process of dating is wrong if you ask me. Seems a bit like going shopping and trying on shoes. I wish there would just be one person for everybody and you only date to get to know them better before you marry them.

But, since dating has actually served me well, it deserves a day of its own.

I did not date much in high school. I think that in all 4 years I dated about 4 people. One was long term and the others were brief. Can I just say right now that I thank God every time I think about it that I did not marry one of those boys?!

When I went off to Bible College I was still quite young. I did not turn 18 until October of my freshman year. That year I had only one date, which was quite strange if you ask me. He was a good bit older than I, and when I asked him just how old he was, he refused to tell me. Sort of scared me just a bit.

Then I met Steve.

We were both attending Bible College. He had attended Jr. College before, so he was older than me, but came later. We had mutual friends, I being a cheerleader, and he being good friends with some of the ball players.

He was so funny. Those of you who know him now would not believe that he was so outgoing in many ways back then. He could make you laugh in a matter of minutes, whether it was impersonating Forest Brooks, running up the gym wall, or just laughing. When I was first approached by our friend with the idea of dating Steve, I first commented on how he was always funny. I was assured that he could be serious as well.

Our first date was the campus Winter Banquet. This was the one and only true dress-up event of the year. I wore a dark blue dress, he a dashing blue and gold plaid sport coat. We both wore yellow roses.

Funny thing though about buying shoes, you absolutely know when you find the right ones. Same here. Seems I knew very soon that this would be my future husband. We continued to date for just over 2 years before we married.

Although, I like to think that we are dating still.

Love you honey.

C is for Christ

2011-05-30T12:21:00.004-04:00

is for Christ

I know that some of you expected me to say coupons.

I agree, coupons are a big part of my life lately, collecting, organizing, clipping, using, and teaching. However, and I stress this, I refuse to let them become my life.

My life, and all that it is about is found in Christ.

I was raised in a small church, which was mostly comprised of my family. I actually thought it was my Grandma's church and that she was in charge. In all due respect, I think she thought that at times as well. That church was not the best fit for me, and as I grew a bit older, I avoided it. When I was in high school my best friend started inviting me to her church and I liked it. I kept coming back, and finally, when I was a junior, I was baptized. Now, I already was a believer, but just had held off making a full commitment to Christ until then.

I can't imagine what my life would be like otherwise. Becoming a Christian has placed my life on a certain track: going to Bible College, meeting my husband, living where I do. Even the children I have was determined by that one choice.

I love my life. I love the fact that my husband and I have always had Christ in the center of everything, that our commitment to each other and the value we place on our marriage is all wrapped up in our faith.

Those of you who know me well know that there have been dark days in my life. As I have said before, I do not know how anyone faces trials without a firm foundation in the Lord.

If these 26 posts are intended to reveal more about me, then in all reality, I would be proud to stop now, because above all else, this is what I want my legacy to be.

C is definitely for Christ.

B is for Boys

2011-05-29T14:37:00.007-04:00

is for boys...

My mother had 7 of them. Seven boys before having even one girl. My sister and I grew up in a house full of brothers. I remember in grade school people would ask if I could name all my brothers. I thought, "What a stupid question."

Of course, when they asked that I had to rattle all of our names off, in rapid fire succession, without even a breath in between.
"CarlDonDavidPaulSteveJimTomSusie
andAnita"

I was always so proud of the fact that there were nine children in my family.

But, back to my point...SEVEN BOYS. I do not know how she did it.

God blessed me with two boys.
Yes, when I was younger I wanted a girl. I had such a good relationship with my mother, and I wanted to carry that on with a daughter. We did have a girl's name ready, Katie Renee. Our first son was born, then our second, and I can honestly say that holding son number 2 in my arms erased any desire for a daughter. I was wholly and completely happy. I still am. I have a great relationship with each of our sons, and while there are no daughters-in-law as of yet, I am praying for them already.

Oh, and we did use the name Katie Renee...she is our beautiful 7 year old black lab.

A is for Anita

2011-05-28T20:36:00.006-04:00

Welcome to my new adventure in blogging. I have requested permission from a blogger friend to use her idea of blogging through the alphabet. Perhaps this will get me out of my writing block.

I have decided to make these posts personal, so if you choose to join me for these next 26 days you will learn a lot about me.

Here goes, and how appropriate that my name starts with the letter A.

A is for Anita

I was supposed to be Joanne. Just Joanne. No middle name. I was to be named after my Uncle Joe, because I was born on his birthday. Somehow, in the discussions on that day, my grandma decided that I needed more of a name. From what I have been told, she came up with the name Anita. So, there you go, Anita Joanne.

I always wondered how my Uncle Joe felt about that, because his name pretty much got lost in there.

Growing up I wanted to change my name. There was a Bonita in my grade school classes and I felt our names were too similar. I liked the name Joanne, although I wanted to split it up, and I never understood why that had an e on the end. Later I wanted to be Annie, because I thought that sounded classy.

My mother-in-law calls me Nita, she always has and I let her. No one else really does.

My oldest brother used to call me Anita Mosquito. He is the only sibling that ever gave me a nick name. I miss hearing him call me that.

Funny thing about writing about my name is that something strange and wonderful happened a few weeks ago. I was sitting at my desk at school and all of a sudden, I turned my head because I heard my name. Only, I couldn't have really, because the person that I heard saying my name was my mother. My mother has been gone for over 30 years, but for some reason, she must have been strong on my mind. I heard her voice as clear as ever sweetly call my name. Just once, no other words, just my first name. "Anita". I turned to a co-worker and told her that Heaven had just opened up for me, and explained what happened. Now, I know it wasn't really her, but for whatever reason it happened, it made me smile.

It is odd, that no matter what our name is, the real meaning we place on it is because of who calls it, and how it is spoken. A name is never sweeter that when spoken by someone who truly loves you.

A is for Anita, and I have come to love it.

Remember me?

2011-05-28T18:28:00.002-04:00

I have been suffering from writer's block for a very long time. I have actually written two posts that have not made it to my blog for various reasons. I am hoping to start soon on a new path, so keep checking on me.

Things have been very busy around here with family issues, and needs. Youngest has just graduated college and that was exciting for us. he is a gifted artist and will surely make his mark in the world.

My coupon classes are picking up, I have 2 booked in June and am very excited about that. I love sharing this ability.

I promise there is more to come, so stay tuned...

Winner Winner Winner

2011-04-15T19:52:00.002-04:00

The winner of the Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes Prize Package is..........Marcy!
I have emailed Marcy with directions on how to claim the prize package.
Congratulations and for all who entered: god luck next time!

Contest Now Closed / Another Give-Away!

2011-04-11T20:01:00.004-04:00

Recently I was contacted by MyBlogSpark to see if I would like to try out Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes and offer the same for one of my readers. I will admit, I am normally a "make it from scratch kinda girl", but I thought I would give these a try.

I will say that I was quite pleased at a few things:

These are so easy to prepare, just boil some water, milk and butter, and whip the potato flakes in.
They are pretty tasty, because they have goodies like, bacon, chives, cheese and sour cream already in them.
The package contains two pouches, which is enough for husband and I to have for two meals.

Now, I will tell you that I added a bit more butter, and then put some shredded cheese on top, which I thought was pretty good, but husband wishes I had left them alone.

I was pleased to know that they are made with 100% real russet potatoes!

In addition to the Loaded Mashed Potatoes, I also received all of the items pictured, which include a very nice selection of kitchen items.

I was provided all of these items and information about the product from Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark, as well as an identical package to give away.

So, here's the deal-

If you would like to win a package which includes the Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes, mixing bowl, measuring cup, magnetic pot holder and a silicone spoonula, then I need you to do the following:

Post a comment to this blog telling me what meal you love to eat mashed potatoes with!

I MUST have your email address in your entry, any entries without an email address will be dis-qualified.

The contest ends on Friday night April 15.

Good luck!

Oh How I Love Jesus...

2011-03-06T19:32:00.004-05:00

There are many reasons why, but let me explain where I am coming from.

Today during church I was having quite a dialogue with God. I was discussing the current state of affairs with husband's folks. I was asking Him for wisdom for this entire family, and asking Him for peace. I then discussed the fact with God that I never had to deal with these issues since my folks have been gone for so long.

Then my mind went back to my parents...

God heard my questions, my concerns and then my sadness as I reminded God (as if He did not know) that tomorrow marks the date when we buried my mother 33 years ago. I started dripping tears as I sat and listened to God for a while.

Then, very softly, a song is played over the sound system.

I can clearly remember my mother singing two songs, the rest have faded from my memory.

Today I heard one of them.

The song playing was "Oh How I Love Jesus" . The other song I remember her singing was "He's The Lily of the Valley". This was such a perfect timed gift from God. I was still dripping tears, but suddenly a sweet peace came over me that just reminded me to keep my focus on Jesus.

Thank you God for the gift of memory, and for a mother who planted that song in my mind at a very early age.

Text: Frederick Whitfield
Music: 19th cent. USA melody

There is a name I love to hear, 
 I love to sing its worth; 
 it sounds like music in my ear, 
 the sweetest name on earth.  
                Refrain:
 O how I love Jesus, 
 O how I love Jesus, 
 O how I love Jesus, 
 because he first loved me!

 It tells me of a Savior's love, 
 who died to set me free; 
 it tells me of his precious blood, 
 the sinner's perfect plea.
 (Refrain)

 It tells of one whose loving heart 
 can feel my deepest woe; 
 who in each sorrow bears a part 
 that none can bear below.

Welcome couponers!

2011-02-18T20:26:00.002-05:00

I just want to say hi to anyone from the coupon class I taught Thursday night. I hope you are not too confused. Email me with any questions and I will be happy to help you out!

An Old Pot and a New Recipe

2011-02-13T15:55:00.006-05:00

First: The Pot

I love this dutch oven. When husband and I were engaged I spent a lot of time at his house and his mom would cook the most delicious roast beef dinners prepared in an old cast iron dutch oven. Not realizing that her years of experience had much to do with it, I went on a search for a dutch oven of my very own. The trick, or so I was told, was to not buy a new one, but to look carefully for one that was well used and well loved.
I didn't know where to begin to look, I was just barely 20 and had no experience in such things, but I knew someone that would. My brother Carl! If you had know him, you would know that he was quite thrifty, and loved to find unique items at thrift stores. This was back in the day when going to thrift stores was not cool. Well, what would you know, but one day he surprised me and said that he found just what I was looking for! He found this pot on the shelf at our local Goodwill Store, and I think I had to pay $17.00 for it, which seemed like a lot back then. I was willing to part with the money and I have never regretted it! I have used this dutch oven countless times over the years, and though I know that cooking experience has much to do with it, you cannot beat the flavor of anything slow cooked in cast iron.

Recently, like many things (and people) over the years, my much loved dutch oven needed a face lift. Another brother, Tom, has obtained a wealth of knowledge on all things cast iron, and has perfected a technique for restoration. He took this dutch oven and a couple of skillets home with him last fall, and shipped them back to me all pretty and black, and slick as a whistle. I am a happy girl!

Now: The Recipe

Get ready to drool.

Can't you almost smell the beef stew in the pictures above? Look, really look at the second picture. Now, click on the second picture and take in all of those tender chunks of beef, the beautifully cooked potatoes (no mushy potatoes here), look at the perfect carrots. Doesn't this make you want to run out and grab some Dinty Moore? NOT! It makes you want to cook up a batch of this super easy, super delicious stew! Don't worry, if you do not have my dutch oven, just use the heaviest pan you have with a tight fitting lid.

This recipe came from my good friend Kasi. I have heard her talk about it for several years, and I decided it was time to try it. I will say, it is the best stew I ever ate!

5 Hour Beef Stew

1 1/2 lb. lean stew meat

1 cup of celery, sliced

1 onion , chopped

3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

3 carrots, peeled and sliced thick

1 can stewed tomatoes (juice and all)

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

1/2 TBS. salt

3 TBS. Instant Tapioca

Mix all ingredients together, do not add water, extra juice, etc. Cover and bake at 250 degrees for 5 hours , or until meat is tender. Stir occasionally. Serves 6. You may add more potatoes, carrots, or meat to serve more.

***What I did different***

My stew meat was closer to 2 lbs, and I used it all. I did add more potatoes (2 more) and more carrots (2 more--wish I had added 4 more, they were g-o-o-o-d). I cut the celery, potatoes and carrots in large, uniform chinks. I then decided to add another can of stewed tomatoes, (mine were 14.5 oz cans).

I put this in this morning before I got ready for church. After church and some errands I checked it for the first time (5.5 hours). I decided to take the lid off and let it cook another 30 minutes uncovered while I made corn muffins and got everything ready.

***Why I love it**

I am actually amazed at a few things. First: it is just so easy. You do not brown the beat or fuss with anything. Second:I did not even stir this for over 5 hours. Third: everything cooked perfectly. Tender meat, vegetables cooked perfect, not mushy, not crunchy. Last, but most important: It is delicious!

Thanks Kasi!

Strawberry Jam and the Sweetness of God

2011-02-02T10:17:00.005-05:00

It is funny how some things get etched in your brain. Things, that to most are insignificant, like making jam. Today I am home from school due to our 2nd snow day this week, because of the massive mid-west snowstorm. As far as large amounts of snow, our town was spared. We instead, were hammered with little ice pellets for about 30 hours straight. It could have been much worse.

I decided to use these days playing catch up, and I decided to get some things done around the house. In my freezer there was a tub of crushed strawberries that I had purchased last summer at a great price. Things were very busy last summer with moving husband's parents, so I decided just to crush the berries and freeze them for a better time to make jam.

Last night, as soon as I learned school would be canceled for today, I pulled the tub from the freezer. As soon as I pulled out the tub my mind went back to another day. Jake and I did this same thing two and a half years ago. He was living at home, it was in the summer and he had the day off work. We had a tub of berries in the freezer then, pulled it out and started the process. About half way through I received a phone call.

That was the day I learned I had cancer. You can go here to read about that day.

So much is different about today. I am living on the other side of that awful news. Now I can rejoice in simple things, like making jam. Now I can remember the way God led me through a very dark time and how he taught me to trust him.

I suppose I will always think of strawberry jam in a special way, instead of tasting the sweetness of just the berries, I will taste the sweetness of God's promises. God is good. Even in those days of uncertainty about my health, I knew that God loved me and was in control. I hope I conveyed it then. I hope I convey it now.

Lord fill me with your Spirit today

2011-01-24T17:50:00.005-05:00

A week ago when things were crazy with husband's folks we were not able to attend what most would call Sunday School. Actually it is much more than that. It is a time when about 85 high school students from our church meet for an hour of fellowship, fun and a lesson by our student minister. Adults are scattered around the room serving as hosts / mentors for a group of students that consistently sit at the same table. I have a group of 7 girls that have been with me for over a year.

Wouldn't you know it,that on the Sunday we miss, something amazing started ? Our student minister was in the middle of a fantastic series on being a practical atheist (one who professes to be a Christian, yet really does not live like it). He then issued a challenge to everyone in the room to take the book of Ephesians seriously when it says to be filled with the Spirit. He posed the question of what could happen if that was our prayer everyday. Now, he even went a step further and asked, what if everyone took that prayer public.

All of a sudden they are, it is amazing. Each day on Facebook for the last week, I saw simple posts from students and leaders, all with the same status: Lord, fill me with your spirit today.

This is incredible. I wondered all week just what was going on. I mean, we have a neat youth group, but it is not like that many of our students to suddenly go this bold with their faith. It took me until yesterday to learn of the challenge and to hear stories of how God is using them in areas they never expected, and how both sponsors and students are seeing a fresh new faith and attitude.

This should be a challenge for us all. We get so complacent in our faith and really just end up reacting to things, when in reality we should be the ones leading the way.

Our student minister put it best, and it has been my prayer today:

If I am not dead, then I am not done. Lord fill me with your spirit today.

The week that wasn't

2011-01-22T21:23:00.005-05:00

There is a lot I should write about, so much has happened in the last month, in the last week really. I am just having trouble collecting thoughts lately. Sometimes I want to keep the blog about my bargains and deals, other days I don't want to write about those at all. Most days I am stuck in between, just deciding if I am going to write at all.

This past week has been difficult to say the least. One week ago today just after getting out of bed, our phone rang and husband's mom needed taken to the hospital due to dizziness. Husband was leaving for work, so I hurried and went to assist. It was obvious in a few minutes that I could not physically do this, so an ambulance was called. Now, it seems that our family has our own personal paramedic. A young man from our church, whom I just happened to babysit for when he was a toddler, has been there for me twice, and now was at the apartment to take mom. That was comforting. Mom was admitted , so husband and I spent the next few days and nights apart, I was caring mostly for mom, and husband stayed with his dad.

On Monday, everything changed. Just as mom was getting a bit better, Dad fell, broke his ankle, and was quite dehydrated. Just as Mom was getting ready to be discharged, Dad was admitted. That night husband and I switched and I stayed all night at the apartment. Mom continued to improve, slowly at first, but it was evident that Dad's ankle would take a while to heal. Husband's sister came into town and by Wednesday we thought we had things figured out.

Wednesday night, I was struck by a stomach flu bug and became ill. Can I just say never would be a nice time frame for ever throwing up again.? I think that after 50+ years old, one should never have to do that again. This took me until yesterday afternoon to start to feel myself, and even today I felt a bit sluggish.

The way it stands now, husband's dad is in a rehab area of a nursing home for about 2 weeks to learn how to walk and adjust while the ankle heals.

See why it has been difficult?

We needed toilet paper...

2010-12-29T14:50:00.003-05:00

For over two years we have never run out of toilet paper, nor have I paid full price. Today I opened the last package. To my delight (delight over toilet paper--I need to get a life) I was able to get all of this TP plus everything else for a total of $35.18. There are some picey items in this picture. Before sales and coupons and store perks it would have been $267.24, and at least $124.00 after the store sales. We are set for cold medicine, TP, and Chex Mix, plus I have six new make up items and three new perfume sets to keep me beautiful and sweet smelling! I could have paid $20.00 for the TP alone, but it was well worth it to only spend $15.00 more on all the rest. Buying the cold medicine helped me make money and turn around and buy the TP for free. Free is good.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T18:41:00.003-05:00

Everyone says, "Have a good Christmas", yet I wonder sometimes how do we really determine that? I know some would determine it by the number or expense of the gifts that you give or receive, others by whether you get to see your family or not, and some by the dinners you prepare or attend.

Today I have tried to take a cue from Mary (yes, THAT Mary) and have taken some time to ponder these things in my heart. ( I love that portion of scripture by the way, it is found in Luke, chapter 2) This was a different year for me. Perhaps it is age, or wisdom, or just contentment, but I had a very hard time putting things that I wanted on a list to give to my husband and sons. There were no big gifts that I wanted, and really, the small things were not huge desires. I love the simple gifts that I received, but I would not rate this Christmas at all by the gifts I gave or received.

Family is always important to me, and yes this year was pivotal in the family category. This was the first Christmas that my husband's side did not have a "home" to go home to. His mom and dad are settled in their new independent living apartment, and while they are doing well, it is not the home where everyone was used to having Christmas Dinner . For that reason, we decided to host the dinner for husband's parents, siblings, spouses, our own boys, and one nephew and his wife. There were 12 of us, and actually that is a crowd in our house. We pulled out the Christmas dishes that Mom had owned, used her glassware, her silverware, tablecloth, and numerous other items to put on a feast, that hopefully followed some of the family traditions.

It was wonderful.

Yes, I worked hard, partly due to the fact that everyone was traveling and it would be difficult for them to prepare much, but mostly because I wanted to. Now, the fact that we were able to share Christmas with them was indeed wonderful, and the dinner was adequate, I still cannot say that those reasons made it a "good" Christmas. For each family member I got to see, there are many more that I missed seeing. So that cannot be the reason.

It is so much more.

For me, it has to come down to my faith. Christmas IS what it is all about. I know that without this moment in history that HIS story would not be revealed. I know that the beginning of Christmas as we in America know it has pagan roots, that the true event probably did not occur on December the 25th, yet those facts do not change the real story of what happened over 2000 years ago. This year I have been blessed to have the real meaning sink in all over again. The God of the Universe came down as the greatest gift of all. It was a "good" Christmas, personally, because I feel I "get" it.

Truth be told, it really has nothing to do with gifts, dinners, or even your family. It is all about HIM, and I have to say that is very good.

Returning the Favor

2010-12-04T18:56:00.004-05:00

The past few days I have been out of town, at my sister's house. She had surgery earlier in the week and I worked it out at school so that I could help her when she returned home. I was so glad to be able to do this, because she has done the same for me, many times. On Thursday I left my house early and was able to be at her's by about 9:00 her time. She was slow going and it was obvious she needed someone there with her. Other than fixing lunch, fixing supper, and the clean up involved, I felt I did not do too much that day. She had worked so hard before her surgery and her house was immaculate! That night I went with her husband on a few errands and that was about it. Friday morning I did her errands, and did quite a bit of grocery shopping. I think my brother in law was quite happy to have me do that so that he did not have to. After fixing lunch I started laundry and dishes and a few other odds and ends. I cut my trip a bit shorter than I had planned due to the approaching snow storm, so I left after just the two days. I know she appreciated it though, and I was so happy to be able to do it.

I am so thankful that my sister and I are so close. We lost our mom over 30 years ago, so we need to lean on each other from time to time.

Send a prayer her way for a speedy recovery!

Christmas is Coming

2010-11-29T20:34:00.002-05:00

I decided to post a couple of pictures of my living room. I have a few changes this year from our normal Christmas decor. First, I painted the fireplace this year and I love it. The brick fireplace had become so dark and dingy and I felt like it was a black hole in my living room. I love the new color. It shows up a bit "whiter" in pictures than it really is, the color is more of a creamy white. I like switching out the wreath on the hearth and being able to actually see it.

Second, I purchased a red slip cover for my couch and a bunch of new pillows. I have wanted a red couch for ages, but I am just not ready to spend the money, so I opted for a slip cover and it makes me happy, especially with Christmas decorations.

My decorations are much more simple this year, just enough to make me happy and not stressed.

Our Red Slipcovers

2010-11-29T20:28:00.002-05:00

Christmas 2010

2010-11-29T20:27:00.003-05:00

I Love my Life

2010-11-13T06:52:00.002-05:00

As I sit at this computer, there is an unusual chorus resounding in my house. I would not quite call it 3 part harmony, but husband and both grown sons are snoring away. I don't mind so much. This is the first time in over 3 months that both boys have been home at the same time and it feels good. Youngest had a birthday this week and we had planned on going to see him for the evening last night. Plans changed suddenly (practically as we were walking out the door) and now both boys are home. We put together a dinner of steaks on the grill, and I put together a pumpkin pie while they were on their way. These moments do not occur very often.

.

Let the baking begin!

2010-11-07T14:59:00.002-05:00

I am ready to bake! This is the haul I picked up at Walgreens today! Before coupons it would have cost $72.25. I spent a total of $14.20. I did a deal much like this last year at Walgreens and I was excited to see the deal pretty much repeated. I did have $20.00 in Register Rewards left over from making money last week on the Sinex deals so that helped quite a bit.

Golden Cream Soup (Cheesy Potato Soup)

2010-11-04T16:49:00.003-05:00

I have had a couple of requests to post the recipe for my potato soup. It is yummy and pretty easy, so here it is.

Golden Cream Soup

2 cans chicken broth
3-4 peeled and diced potatoes
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 TBS butter
2-3 peeled and sliced carrots
2 TBS flour
2 cups of milk
1/2 lb cubed Velveeta cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 TBS Parsley flakes
1 tsp salt
dash pepper

Saute the onion and celery in butter until just translucent. Add chicken broth, seasonings, and carrots and simmer until carrots are almost tender. Add potatoes and cook until they are tender. Mix flour with milk and add to pot. Cook until thickened then remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted. Once cheese has been added , do not boil or cheese will separate.

Yield about 4 servings.

Winner Winner Yummy Dinner

2010-11-01T16:09:00.003-05:00

I so loved reading about all of your first dates. I think these stories would make a lovely coffee table book!

Congratulations to 3 Boys and a Girl! You are the winner of my date night prize package!

I will email you for the details on how you will receive your prize!

Sunday Savings!

2010-10-31T15:32:00.002-05:00

I have not had a marathon shopping event for quite some time. This felt good. $22.66 for everything pictured and I got back a $10.00 Register Reward at Walgreens. The canned vegetables are normally .80 cents a can at Dollar General, but were on sale for .45 each. Lucky me that I had a bunch of coupons for a dollar off of three cans, making them .12 cents a can. I have not bought canned vegetables since the Del Monte deal at Target one year ago. (They were 20 cents a can, so I beat that deal!)

Remember, I can afford to spend $22.00 on these items without buying meat, etc., because of my stockpile.

Soup's on!

2010-10-28T22:11:00.002-04:00

I love this time of year. I love everything about fall. I love how the leaves change and I even love watching them in their free fall to the ground. I think it is so cool that God decided to give us that last burst of color before putting everything to sleep for the winter. He could have just let them drop as they were.

Tonight I made a big pot of cheesy potato soup. Actually my potato soup is so much more. It has onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered in a rich chicken broth, and then loaded with yummy cheese. It smelled so good as it simmered away in the kitchen. I lit a few candles, then turned on the furnace for the first time. Such a cozy evening. I was even lucky enough to get to see our oldest son briefly tonight, as he and his friends are on their way to Florida for a few days. Our house was the meeting place for some of them along the way.

Tonight the temps here will drop below freezing. Tomorrow the warm coat will come out along with gloves for sure. Unfortunately, at some point tomorrow I will probably complain about the cold, but I really do love it right now.

Permed!

2010-10-28T07:21:00.003-04:00

What we will do for the sake of beauty!

Recently I decided to get a perm in my somewhat long poker straight gray/white/brown hair. (No, it is not striped) The hair is still brown is underneath for some reason, and the rest is a mixture of pure white and gray. You have seen my pictures.

Well, my poker straight hair seems to have a mind of its own. The first perm was less than 2 weeks ago, and last night I underwent the procedure again. I have an amazing hairdresser who wants to see me happy, so she worked late to help insure that I like my locks.

I had not had a perm for about 17 years, and my hair color has changed drastically in those years. This was uncharted territory for me, and for my hairdresser, who had no idea how it would take.

Well...the thing is, I must have pretty resistant hair because, it still is not curly in some places, and very curly in others. The brown underneath hair curled like it was 1993 and had tight ringlets, other areas have a wave.

I will post new pictures soon, but now I need to go and perfect my style for the day. Wish me luck.

Contest is now closed / Winner has been notified!

2010-10-27T13:28:00.009-04:00

Don't these two meals look yummy? I LOVE orange chicken! For years I would have it in a restaurant and wish that I could make it at home. My son and I tried once, and it was okay, but not very easy. Now that Wanchai Ferry makes one in this handy kit I can have it anytime I want.

Sometimes my husband and I want something different to eat, but really want a quiet evening at home. These meals are perfect for a "Stay in and go all out night". A yummy dinner plus a movie are what we are all about.

I was fortunate to receive these two meals courtesy of Macaroni Grill and Wanchai Ferry through MyBlogSpark. I was also given a gift card to use for anything else I needed to make the dinner or date night special.

Good news! I am able to give away the same gift to one of my readers. One of you will receive both the Macaroni Grill kit, and the Wanchai Ferry kit, along with a $25.00 pre-paid VISA gift card. Create your own date night at home and enjoy a delicious dinner with little work.

Here is how to enter: Tell me where you and your spouse went for your first date. Our first date was a college winter banquet. The picture is at the bottom of my blog. We looked pretty good together for a first date, huh? I wish he had kept that jacket though, because I am sure it will come back in style...

Post a comment to this post telling me about you and your spouse's first date. On Monday, Nov. 1st I will select one winner through Random.org Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you.

Here's to Birthdays

2010-10-24T21:31:00.004-04:00

I have not been around here for a while, and the thing is, I really like doing this. I just get caught up with other stuff and then I forget about this little project of mine.

I do want to talk tonight about my birthday. On Friday I turned 54. For some odd reason that sounds so much older than 53. I think it is because I couldn't wait to turn 53. Some of you know of that shadow that was hanging over me for my entire 52nd year. My oldest brother passed away at that age, and I just wanted to prove that 52 was much too young for that. I could not let that happen to me, especially after my health problems the previous year. So I longed to be 53. It was a celebration in and of itself.

So now, even if 54 sounds "much" older, I was pretty happy to be having another birthday. In the weeks preceding this day, I would see the short spots on TV from the American Cancer Society where a guy with a guitar is singing a slow rendition of the Happy Birthday song. Its intention was to celebrate birthdays in general for cancer survivors. I decided a few weeks ago that he was singing to me personally and thought it was quite thoughtful of them. Okay, so maybe he was not really, but it is one of those commercials that take on a very special meaning to those that relate to it.

It is a sweet celebration really, just to be having another birthday. I just cannot take them for granted any more. I know we all complain sometime about getting older, and I know that everyday I have a new ailment, but I should not complain about anything really.

What a blessed woman I am. I celebrated on Friday with my family, showered with gifts, enjoying a dinner out and feeling so very loved.

Here's to birthdays.

My name is Anita, and I am a terrible blogger

2010-10-15T21:48:00.003-04:00

I want to blog more often. I just have lacked creativity.

I will be back. For those of you that know me, I will probably post something on Facebook when I return full force.

STRIKE

2010-09-15T19:31:00.001-04:00

As most of my good friends already know, this is day 3 of a strike between our teacher's union and our school district. I would much rather be in class than on the picket line, so I am praying tonight for an agreement to be reached. My mind is pretty consumed with this right now.

Much ado about everything!

2010-08-22T22:30:00.003-04:00

What a busy weekend. On Friday as soon as I got home from school we headed off to take youngest to his college town... without an apartment. We were glad that he has a friend whose mom was willing to take him in until an apartment opens up, and hopefully that will happen this week. We were also glad that he has an art studio that can hold some extra things.

Saturday I dove into things around here and re-claimed my house! I tackled youngest's room first and brought it up to my standards. Then I went through room by room putting things away and finding places for more of the things we brought home from husband's folk's house. Problem is, we are still bringing things home and trying to find room for them. I am almost paranoid about finding places right away, lest my home looks like one featured on a popular TV show about people with extreme clutter.

Saturday evening I was struck by some strange bug that threw my tummy for a loop which altered our plans a bit. It finally settled down around midnight.

Today was a full day, beginning with church. We then went to the folk's for Sunday brunch at the apartment complex. After that we went to their old house to do more cleanup and to bring a car load of things home. (most of those have already found their place) I also put 12 quarts of diced tomatoes up for the freezer. We were honored today to attend a 100th birthday party of the oldest and longest member of our church. What a great celebration!

Our oldest son popped in later this afternoon for a brief visit on his way through town, so he, husband and I and our friend all went out to get a bite to eat. It was a short visit, but it was good to spend a little time with him.

I think I am ready for school tomorrow, to greet and meet our new class, and to get the year underway.
After this weekend, I might even relax a bit at school!

So Long Summer

2010-08-18T19:14:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is the first day of school. I am never ready for the first day of school, but once I get there, I am okay. I am fighting a back to school headache tonight though, so I will be more ready when that goes away.

It was a busy summer, I did not check a lot off of my own list, but I was able to help a lot with the important job of moving the in-laws. I am grateful to have been able to help as I did. My own stuff will get done in time. Things will actually slow down now that the folks are moved, school is starting and youngest will be moving back to his school.

Funny, I will go back to school to relax!

OY Vey

2010-08-17T19:47:00.002-04:00

Will things ever slow down? We have husband's folks mostly settled in, we have had the big sale, and more family is coming in tomorrow to help with the cleanup of what is left before closing on the house. I should be able to breathe easier, right. Not yet, because school starts the day after tomorrow for me, and youngest has to pack in the next two days for his return to school. We have a major prayer request in that department, so all of you prayer warriors, start praying that his placement on the list for an apartment on campus advances by leaps and bounds in the next 3 days. There was a mix up with his application for fall, and as of yet, he has no apartment. We are praying really hard around here for this to fall into place.

My house needs attention, but may not get all the attention it deserves until Saturday. I can live with that.

So, since my time is precious right now, I will keep this short and sweet, and request prayers from all of my friends that an apartment opens up. Soon.

Welcome Coupon Class!

2010-08-10T21:48:00.002-04:00

If you are here for the first time from my coupon class, welcome! You were all so gracious and loving as I shared my crazy lifestyle. Thanks for your encouragement and attention. Look around, look for my "frugal" posts and have fun checking out my shopping adventures!

And life goes on...

2010-07-22T08:46:00.007-04:00

Remember the Bee Gees song, "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?"

Right now I am thinking that if you replace the word heart with the word home, that is what this family is feeling. The family homestead is breaking. Not by the means by which one might think, but just breaking up, piece by piece. Husband's folks are moving to an assisted living apartment, and this week the task falls on the children to divide, distribute, and pack a lifetime of possessions. The task is physically exhausting, and emotionally devastating. How do you go about doing that right in front of parent's eyes and remain undisturbed? The memories attached to even the simplest object are real and precious.

I emphasize, these are not my birth parents. I lost mine to illnesses long ago. We split up their possessions as well, just not in front of their eyes. These are my parents now. They have been in my life longer than my own were, so I feel that I am not just a daughter-in-law, but I am an adopted daughter.

I have for the most part remained focused, and set to the task of just "doing this". I am a "Daughter-in-Law" I could do this, I could be unemotional and be the one to take care of business. The "real" family will be sad, but I would be fine. Who was I kidding? This morning, I am crying like a baby, and grieving over the smallest object. Each day I feel like I am toting part of their life home with me in the back of my car. Granted, if you inspected the contents a lot of these items are of little material worth. Paper plate holders, a blender (void of all the current bells and whistles), a wicker basket, on old wooden stool. Thing is, these are THEIR paper plate holders, their blender, their basket, their stool. Today I want so much to take it all back, put it back where it goes and forget the plan.

I know the reasons are valid for them to move. I even encouraged it. I just had no idea this would hit ME like this. I did not grow up in this family. Many of their memories are just interesting stories to me. I cannot hang my heart on most of these items. However, I LOVE these people. They became a real part of my family when I lost my own parents. Their memories are precious to me, even if I do not share all of them.

We will plow through, even today, with sorting and packing. We will pick up an object, and pause to learn the story behind. If there is no story, we might even resort to comic relief and make one up. Like the little mottled yellow pitcher that belonged to Aunt Irma. Thing is, there is no Aunt Irma.

Too bad really, if there was, I would let her do this task.

I am certain though, that throughout this day, I will look at every object in a very special way. And there will be tears.

Random Thoughts in bullett form

2010-07-04T23:12:00.002-04:00

Our dog hates fireworks. She also hates thunderstorms and getting her feet in wet grass. Yeah, we have spoiled her I guess.
CIY is an amazing teen convention. Pretend you are a teenager and go some year, we did.
My desktop computer may be fried. Well, probably the hard drive is shot. We could lose a lot of pictures. Back up your photo libraries . Today.
My tomato plants are humongous. We bought new stakes today because the old ones are not keeping them up. I picked the first tomato tonight. I cheated, it is not fully ripe. Couldn't wait.
I really really want to teach my coupon class again. Anyone want a class? I have it on PowerPoint and am ready to go. ( Glad I had that on a flash drive, it would be a lot of work to do all over again!)
I am slowing down on my shopping trips. There are lots of bargains out there, but my stockpile is so full that I can pass them up. That is the benefit of a good stockpile.

That is about it for tonight.

A time for work...

2010-06-20T21:52:00.002-04:00

This has been a busy weekend. Husband and youngest son laid a new section of patio. We have been using 16 inch square patio blocks and decided to make a new section of 24 blocks. They completed that last night and today they installed a fence beyond the patio to keep our dog out of the garden. I will try to take pictures tomorrow and post them. I should have taken before pictures, because then you would really see how much this improved this area.

I just finished spray painting my old metal glider. Paprika. It is a bit more orange than I wanted, I was hoping for a more reddish-paprika. Maybe it will dry the color I want. it still looks better than it did before though.

Tomorrow night my amazing girlfriends are coming over here for our monthly GNO. I am preparing a baked potato bar and all the fixins. I must get up early though and give the house a good cleaning.

Sorry for the lack of posting. Will try to do better.

Crazy Love

2010-06-10T14:11:00.001-04:00

Go buy this book. Francis Chan is the author. It will rock your world and make you come face to face with God. I am not very far into it yet, but so far all I can say is, "Whoa!" Buy it.

$6.22 out of pocket

2010-06-10T14:02:00.004-04:00

I hit up Walgreens again. Husband will say I robed them. When people call he tells them I am out robbing Walgreens. He is so funny.

All pictured for $6.22, plus I came home with $8.00 in new Register Rewards with the ice cream deals. Would have cost $66.70 without any coupons or Register Rewards. I am thinking about going back for more ice cream treats. My family will love me. Gee, I will love me. Notice, I did get some of the Skinny Cow variety. I do not eat this much candy, but I had to buy it to keep my coupon to item ratio in check. There are always little ones at ball games that "need" it. Actually, youngest son will say that he needs it.

Summertime and the Shoppin' is Easy

2010-06-07T16:56:00.005-04:00

First week off of school and what do I do? Hit Walgreens and CVS at 7:00 am. Good deals to be had and I couldn't wait. Actually I wanted to go before I started working in the garden and got all sweaty.

CVS: I was so glad to get the Windex. I was out of that on the stockpile. The shave cream was on clearance for .29 cents each, and I received a $2.00 coupon on the Dove chocolate at "the magic coupon machine", making the whole bag just .50 cents. Just yesterday the cash register receipt kicked out a $5.00 off of $15.00 coupon, so that helped a lot. I had coupons for almost everything else, and I used $7.00 in Extra Care Bucks. I spent a mere .78 cents out of pocket on everything and earned another $5.00 in ECBs. Nice.

Walgreens: I used coupons for everything pictured except for the candy, which I bought as fillers. I also used a few Register Rewards. Everything pictured cost me a total of $7.08 out of pocket and earned another $7.00 in Register Rewards. Not bad.

In all I spent $7.86 and came home with $12.00 in a combination of CVs and Walgreens "cash"

Winner Winner Pasta Dinner!

2010-06-06T18:49:00.002-04:00

I have a winner! I numbered my entries according to the entry where the email address showed up (because some left them out). So even if you commented, the entry that counted was the one that had your email address.

The random number generator (random.org) picked number 2 which, would be be Reta, who had her email address included.

I have emailed the winner.

You never know folks when another contest will pop up!

Cupcakes!

2010-06-05T15:49:00.006-04:00

I have decided that I love making cupcakes.

I have really gotten into making them since the first of the year, and in the last 6 weeks I have made them for 7 occasions. I buy cake mixes when the are .88 cents or less then I buy several, and put them into the freezer. I also have been shopping at WalMart after each holiday since Christmas and I am buying various sprinkles and cupcake liners after they are marked down. I keep all of my supplies in a covered plastic tub, and I am gaining a nice collection of items to work with. Most of my cake recipes come from The CakemixDoctor

cookbooks that I have collected as well. I love her recipes. You start with a basic cake mix and then jazz it up. I always make homemade frosting and I do not use a recipe for that. I do not know how to do professional decorating, but I purchased a large pastry bag, a large tip and coupler, and after a lesson from my sister I do okay.

These are for an event after church tomorrow, and some will be for our small group which meets tomorrow night.

Note about the Give-Away

2010-06-04T23:10:00.000-04:00

I need email addresses from all who enter.

Give-Away # 3 / CLOSED NOW

2010-06-02T20:58:00.005-04:00

I am lovin' give-a-ways.

I have something really cool to share.

Betty Crocker, through MyBlogSpark has provided me with a great package which includes: a box of Betty Crocker's Suddenly Salad, a Pyrex dish, a serving bowl, and an insulated tote. These products are really nice and I was super excited to get them. I will use the tote to carry all of my cool dishes to our next picnic.

I have tried Suddenly Salad in the past and I have really liked it. The Greek salad would not be my first choice, but I know my son will enjoy it. I like the convenience and the taste of the ones I have tried. I also like how you can toss in anything you like and create a pasta salad just the way you want it. I have tossed in broccoli, carrots, red onion, and cauliflower pieces. Bacon pieces sound good to me also. These come together really fast, and makes fixing a yummy side dish really easy.

There are several other varieties of Suddenly Salad that sound great. You can check them all out at SuddenlySalad.com

The great news is that I am also able to give a package just like the one pictured to one of my readers! To enter you must do the following:

Post a comment to this post with the following information:

What ingredient would you toss into a box of Suddenly Salad ? Specifically, tell me which variety you would pick and how you would change it up.
Your email address or link to your blog so that I can contact you.

I will pick a winner using the random.org number generator from all eligible submissions on Sunday, June 6th.

The opinions of this product are my own, but I need to disclose that the package of Suddenly Salad, the prize pack, and the give-away were all provided to my by Betty Crocker, through MyBlogSpark.

Mail Call

2010-06-01T17:52:00.003-04:00

Today was a very good day at the mailbox!

The breakdown:

Kraft First Taste free product coupons. I LOVE Kraft! There are coupons for 6 free items! (Kool-Aid Fizz Drink Drops, Homestyle Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese, Digiorno Deep Dish Pizza, 100 Calorie Packs Cheese Bites, Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Shaved Meat, and Ritz Crackerfuls) If you are not a member then you should go to here and sign up. I have gotten lots of free product coupons from Kraft this way.
A full size eye shadow quad from Loreal. I signed up a while back for Loreal product testing and I did a survey on mascara. This was my gift for doing the survey.
A sample of Secret Clinical Deodorant from WalMart (great source for samples)
Samples of Dove shampoo and conditioner, also from WalMart
2 free samples of Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets. ( I LOVE these)
Home Made Simple coupon book (great coupons)

Pretty good haul for one day! Cheap is good, but free is better!

Brave or Stupid ? You Decide.

2010-05-28T16:26:00.003-04:00

Most of the people who know me well, know that I love my Diet Pepsi. IF you know me really well, you would know that what really excites me, is FOUNTAIN Diet Pepsi. Last night I was suffering through my addiction, wanting one in the worst way. I called husband and told him that God wanted him to get me a fountain Diet Pepsi. Now, we both knew that was not true, but at least husband took me seriously. A few minutes later, husband and youngest come in the door. Youngest is carrying a one half gallon fountain Diet Pepsi. Seriously. Now, it is nearly 8:30 p.m. (late for that much caffeine) , and even I would have a hard time polishing that off, but I do my best and manage to suck down quite a bit before I have to make a run to Walgreens.

I often make runs to Walgreens, but this was really a necessity. I needed to pick up a prescription and some photos. So, at about 8:45 I drive over to my neighborhood Walgreens. I am walking through the store, on my way to the pharmacy when it happened. I round the corner and there in plain sight, right before my eyes, is an ADULT male stuffing 5-hour energy shots down his pants. DOWN HIS PANTS!! His eyes meet mine, and I froze for a moment, then turned to walk away, then something bizarre came over me. I turn around, and go back to him, look him square in the eye, and say " Do you think you should be doing that? "

Geez, did that sound stupid or what? That was either caffeine induced bravery, a "teacher moment" or sheer stupidity. He mumbles something like, "Do what? I didn't do nothin" Then what do I do? I fire back, " Yes you did , you just put something down your pants". The next moment must have been when someone else inhabited my body, because then I saw an employee and put my hand in the air , pointed over the top of my head to the adult male, and shouted, "Shoplifter!"

This is so unlike me. The employee then proceeds to run the guy out of the building, telling him that he knows he is not supposed to be in there. (perhaps this was not the first event)

Now I am feeling quite proud of myself until it hits me that I came alone. What if "adult male" is lurking at the side of the building when I go out? What if he is waiting on me? I then come to my senses, call my husband and ask that he drive over, come inside, and walk me to the car.

I still cannot believe that I did that. This was not a 3rd grader or a student, it was an adult male. If the adult male thinks nothing of shoplifting, he probably would not think much of harming me in the parking lot. I guess I watched too much of Barney Fife when I was younger, he and I seemed to act before thinking.

Laptop

2010-05-16T12:53:00.003-04:00

I have been wanting a laptop, but we have just not had extra money for that. I started Swagbucks and decided I would save the "bucks" I earned and possibly get a netbook instead. I had a total of $50.00 that I had used to purchase "digital" Amazon gift cards, and I was just letting them stack up. Well, good things come to those who wait. Youngest son has a friend at school that did not want her laptop any longer. It needed parts and she did not wish to invest in it. Ah Ha! Youngest paid $50.00 and bought his momma a broken laptop. Don't laugh, guess what the needed parts cost? Yep, roughly $50.00. Actually, $63.00 with part of that being shipping. Remember those "Swagbucks" I mentioned? I cashed in $50.00 that I have earned by mostly searching the web, and I used all of my Amazon gift cards for the parts. My out of pocket spending for the parts came to $13.00. Youngest son added some extra RAM that he had on hand, and I have a sweet Toshiba laptop! I am posting from it now.

This is a very nice computer, plenty of space in the hard drive, and one of the parts we bought is a new battery. I upgraded to a higher cell battery and have tons of battery life. It also has a memory card reader, which just happens to accept my strange memory card, and all is great in the computing world!

This will aid me in my future coupon class, and should make it very easy to show my presentation.

Youngest has a knack for finding deals on electronics, I feel I have raised him well in the art of bargain hunting. You better get your requests in soon though, because my sister has already made hers and they are lining up.

Thank you baby boy for thinking of your momma!

Oldest....I want a pony!

What a week

2010-05-15T21:49:00.003-04:00

This has been an interesting week to say the least. I was home from school all weekdue to the remainder of my pneumonia, but still woke up yesterday with a heaviness in my chest. The thing is that with my heart history, the doctors will not mess with chest heaviness. Long story shortened, I spent yesterday in the walk in clinic, followed by a trip to the local ER, followed by a trip to my hospital of choice, followed by an all night stay. Heart issues were soon ruled out, but they won't risk dismissing them without the battery of tests. Pressure was attributed to the pneumonia, which according to x-rays, is still lingering just a bit.

The worst part about my entire day was my time at the local ER. Now, it was not due to treatment, but yet due to something else entirely unrelated to me. While I was in my bed with the curtains drawn, a patient was brought in that had in fact, "coded" on her way by ambulance. The area next to me filled with nurses, doctors, and technicians, all doing everything humanly possible to save her. Even though I could not see anything, I heard every word, every order, and every attempt at CPR. I just laid helpless, while this woman's life slipped away. I could tell that this staff was trying desperately to save her. Their words were all spoken in deep respect, and I could hear a nurse pleading in the sweetest voice possible for this woman to make it. I do not think I can explain exactly how I felt at that time to anyone. I did not know this woman, I did not hear a name, but I felt so much sadness to know that a life was ending as I laid there. I sobbed for quite a while, and soon, my curtain slipped open and the son of a good friend (a paramedic) who was there to transport me to the other hospital came in and stood silently by me. Just having someone present with me right then helped.

I have been at the bedside when death occurred. I was with both of my parents, and my grandma, I have felt that feeling of personal loss. I just did not know that I would be so overwhelmed at the loss of a stranger. I prayed hard for a few moments, and quite honestly, it took me a while to recover. I am still praying. I still don't even know who this woman was, or anything about her or her family. I will watch the newspaper closely for a few days, hoping to match a name to the details of when and where.

I just know that all life is precious. I prayed, hoping that she was a believer, and that she inhaled one last breath on this earth and exhaled in the presence of Jesus. I prayed for her family, and for the sadness they will feel. Please help me and pray for them as well.

Updates

2010-05-08T20:37:00.002-04:00

The Good:

Still good. The boys are still home, and they have been a huge blessing to me today. I could not have dealt with a broken freezer and transporting all of our coolers filled with food with the way was feeling.

The Bad:

Freezer was repaired. This was a big debate, but we decided to see what the repair man had to say. He was the one who fixed it in December and he cut us a break. No service fee, and he replaced 2 parts, but only charged us for the cheapest of the two. Our bill was only $48.00. It is working very well tonight, and I will let it run till tomorrow afternoon to fill it. I will just have to check this daily from now on , just to be safe.
A funny thing happened today when the boys were transporting all of our frozen food to the folks' house. One of them called to report in and I told them I couldn't talk because the freezer guys were here, and I was tied up in the basement...I guess I should be careful about what I say.
Laundry has been drastically been reduced, and I am seeing an end to all of the piles. This has been an entire family affair, and I am glad to get it done.
I am still coughing my head off. I just took a dose of my codeine cough syrup, so we will see how that goes. Since I am on steroids and codeine, I sure hope I do not need a drug test.

The Ugly:

We are working on that, husband and boys are doing some chores for me, and before the night is out we should have a decent house again.

I always need to remember that stressful moments have a way of working out. I will admit that this morning I felt very overwhelmed. I am doing much better with that right now.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2010-05-08T12:47:00.003-04:00

The Good:

Both of our boys are home this weekend. I do not think that has happened since Christmas. It is good to have them both home, to talk with and to see them interact as brothers. They are very close.
They presented me with a beautiful and delicate sterling silver chainmaille bracelet. I know that word chainmaille makes you think of anything but delicate, but I assure you this is very pretty. A friend of youngest' in the art department makes them, and the boys bought one for me for Mother's Day. I will post pictures of it later on, but it needs re-sized. The only petite part about me other than my height, is the size of my wrists.
Youngest also purchased a used laptop from the same girl and gave that to me as well. It only needed a new battery and a power cord. I was able to purchase both of those with my Swagbucks' Amazon gift cards. I only had to pay $13.00 out of pocket. I tell ya, those Swagbucks add up. I have earned over $50.00 in gift cards since Christmas!

The Bad:

My freezer went out! Arrrgh. This is the second time since December that this has happened. Luckily my boys were home, and luckily my in-laws have plenty of room in theirs, and luckily we got everything transferred before we lost anything. (I am a stockpiler you know) I have spent the morning on the phone and have about decided to just purchase a new one. This is the third time over all that we have had a problem, and this freezer is less than 9 years old! I have located one in town and I feel that we just might go make our purchase tonight. Good thing we have not spent our Christmas money from the folks! Just the process of dealing with this has left me depleted of any possible energy for the day.
I feel awful. This tail end of whatever is kicking my behind and I woke up seriously dragging. I had another one of those coughing spells and felt I pulled every muscle across my upper chest. On Thursday I returned to the walk-in clinic and an x-ray showed my lungs were clear, but they felt I still had inflammation, and put me on a dose of steroids. As you see from the above bullet, I did not really need the freezer to go out on this day.
There are more loads of laundry than I care to count. A very busy week last week, and this week, plus my sickened state, have all stacked up our laundry. The boys brought home about 5 loads between them. They are good helpers, and it will get done, but it is a bit overwhelming at the moment.

The Ugly:

My house. Okay, I know, some things we just have to let go. Along with the boys this weekend came a lot of stuff. Youngest will be coming home for the summer next week, and he got a head start on bringing home his most valued possessions. There are just so many storage spaces to immediately put things, and one those are taken, the rest has to sit here and there for a while. I just hate it that "here and there" are in my main living spaces. This too shall pass, but for now the house is cluttered, messy, and truth be told , not as clean as I would like. (remember, busy weeks and puny me)

Well, that about sums it up. I think I need a personal maid-nurse-organizer-repair person to come to my beck and call. Anyone out there fit the bill?

Sleepless

2010-05-06T04:25:00.002-04:00

Note to self:

One should never see 3:25 am during the work week. Ugggh. It has been a long night. For some reason I woke up at 12:49 am. I have been rather "snotty" tonight, maybe that woke me up. I guess it is a carry over from the little bout with pneumonia. But anyway, I woke up and have not been able to go back to sleep. I have been to the computer twice, taken the dog out at 2:15, gone back to bed , (twice) and as of yet, am still wide awake. Husband is really not even snoring, which usually is the culprit.

Soon, I will reach the point of no return. You know, that moment where I might as well stay up. I just hate to think of going through tomorrow with only 2 1/2 hours of sleep.

Good Day / Good Supper / Good Company

2010-04-24T21:54:00.010-04:00

This was a very good day.

Today, oldest was home for the day, so we went shopping. We hit the thrift stores, both Target, and Meijer among other stores, and had a nice lunch out. I had some great coupons and did very well at both Meijer and Target. At Meijer they had whole chickens for .85 cents a pound, so I bought 2. I should have bought more. As soon as we walked in the door from shopping, I put supper together.

(Now, I know that traditionally this is a "beer in the rear" chicken, but we do not have beer in our household. Well, let me re-phrase that. We actually do have a beer in our house. We found it in our side yard about 2 years ago. It is a full bottle. It is in storage way back under our sink, because I know for a fact that it works wonders in keeping slugs away from your outdoor plants. Just pour a bit in a bowl, place it in your flower bed and wait for the slugs to party! They come slithering in from all over the place, slide into the awaiting bath and then drown in their beer. A true "slug-fest"!)

So, back to my chicken.

I used 7-up. It is in the can nestled up the middle of the chicken. Any liquid will do, it just bubbles away inside the bird and keeps it all moist inside and out. I did have a potato sticking out of the poor bird's neck, but that was removed before the photo. Prior to roasting, I just oiled this baby up a bit, and sprinkled with my usual homemade rub. Next time, I will omit the brown sugar from this rub and add garlic salt instead. A few parts were a bit sweet. After about 1/2 hour of roasting we prepared some potatoes, onions, and carrots and threw them in the pan. I would have thrown in some parsley if I had thought about it. One more hour later and we sat down to a pretty tasty dinner after a day of shopping.

The bad thing, is that we ate way too late for us. Husband and I are too old to eat dinner at 8:30! We will see how the night goes.

As far as today went though, I love spending time with my boys.

Lately though, it has been one boy or the other. The days are getting less frequent when we are all together. I was reminded of this when I saw a mom in Target today. She had two little boys in tow. They were walking along while she was pushing the cart. A microphone toy on a low end-cap caught their attention, and soon both boys had stopped in their tracks to perform for the rest of the Target Shoppers. I for one loved it, but I saw that familiar look in the mom's eye. You know the look, the "hurry up" look. I wanted to freeze time for her, just to make sure she appreciated this spontaneous moment of childhood. I just turned to her, smiled, and said, "Enjoy them mom, they don't stay little very long." At that moment about 26 years of memories flooded my mind, and I felt a sweet peace to know that I still enjoy my boys.

Today was a "keeper"

Recovering

2010-04-19T19:39:00.002-04:00

I have spent the last few days pretty much house bound, recovering from a bout with pneumonia. It hit me all at once, I just felt like I had a cold coming on and then on Saturday morning I felt awful. Since a trip to the walk in clinic on Saturday morning, I have not done much else. I hope to go back to school tomorrow, because it is technically the "walking" type and I am feeling better. Going to bed early. Now I know why I felt so tired last week.

I was just thinking...

2010-04-16T22:18:00.004-04:00

Lately I have been in my deep thinking mood. Not really wanting this blog to be all about bargains and shopping, but rather more about who I really am. Now, I admit that bargain hunting is in my blood, but is that all I really want to be known for ? I hope not.

So for those of you who stop by here occasionally, you just might see more of the posts that I used to compose.

Fair warning.

Tonight, especially, I have been thinking about a card that I found today in my mailbox. I get similar ones quite often. These are all from the same sender, The "Thursday Morning Morning Bible Study". This is a group of ladies from my church that meet regularly for a Bible study and for prayer. They pray for me of all people. I have posted a copy of this card because it has touched me so. Now the reason I am posting it has nothing to do with the part about my witness, however it is the first line that has me humbled.

"We are always praying for you"

Aren't those words powerful?

Think of this: This May it will be 2 years since my heart attack. In September it will be 2 years since I was surgically cured of cancer. Two years, no problems to speak of, and no set backs. Easy sailing.

Yet, this group of women still pray for me, and they still send me cards. One might say that they could stop now, that there is no need to devote this time and effort for me any longer.

Ah, but might I say that maybe, just maybe that this group of persistent prayer warriors is part of the reason that I am cancer free and that my heart has not skipped a single beat?

Sometimes we are not able to see the methods that God uses to work things out in our lives. Sometimes, however, the signs are there and we miss them. I thank God that He reminded me to be thankful for this group of ladies tonight.

I guess we all need to thank those people in our lives that keep us encouraged and keep us going. Or perhaps the lesson to be learned here, is that we need to be the people who keep others going. Something to think about.

Life sure is sweet in the Body of Christ.

Sometimes I get tired of shopping...

2010-04-14T20:19:00.002-04:00

or maybe it is that I am just tired in general. I really am tired tonight. You know, that every now and then, bone-tired. That is me. It is now 7:20 pm and I am already thinking of how nice my bed will feel.

There is no real reason for me to be this tired. Just a bit of a restless night last night and a busy day today. I left school and for once I did not run any quick errands or bargain runs. Tuesdays have become my heavy bargain run days and I usually make about 4-5 stops before I make it home. I did very well last night but I just did not have time to post about it. I would post about it now, but, you guessed it, I am too tired.

One word of note though, I am currently wrapping up a Beth Moore Bible Study on the Fruits of the Spirit with some very good friends. I was invited into this group, they have done several, but this is my first. This has been amazing. If you have the opportunity to do one of her studies don't hesitate. Be prepared to dig deeper than you might ever have, but also be prepared for God to speak to you more than ever as well.

I will post more soon, but for now I hear the couch calling my name.

A Whole Lotta Nothing

2010-04-10T00:37:00.002-04:00

Not so much new around here. I have been busy however with many things:

Husband and I have been doing a lot of cleaning and de-cluttering
I have made a daily trek to Kmart to take advantage of double coupons
I had two out of town medical appointments this week- one just a follow up regarding my thyroid replacement medicine (need a slight adjustment)
I have a new hobby - making jewelry (just basic stuff so far)
We are heading to visit youngest son tomorrow

Not much, but that is life.

Monday Madness

2010-03-29T13:46:00.004-04:00

I cannot blog for long right now. Husband and I are in the midst of a cleaning frenzy! I do not want to do anything to detour the process! As of right now (12:47 pm) between the two of us (with a lot of it being done by husband) we have done the following:

Made waffles, bacon, and homemade blackberry syrup (with actual blackberries floating around in it)
Thoroughly emptied and cleaned the bathroom
Cleaned out fridge, discovered a lot of apples needing attention = a break long enough to make 2 completely from scratch apple pies (can you smell them?)
Gathered all throw rugs, all shook and vacuumed
Vacuumed all carpets thoroughly
Emptied everything from under kitchen sink (yuck) that was a mess, wiped down and replaced only what is necessary
Turned oven on to self clean mode
Stripped the bed
Started laundry, moved to dryer and started more
Finally emptied and washed turkey fryer that has been sitting in garage since Christmas (ewww) it is washed and shiny now
Emptied my crock full of kitchen gadgets that sits by my stove, washed everything and will selectively put things back
Emptied basket of gadgets that sits on my counter, washed everything and will selectively put things back

We are still working and my 15 minute break is almost over, so I will report again when we are finished! I love starting spring break with a nice clean house!

Sunday Shopping Spree

2010-03-28T16:04:00.003-04:00

Today was equally as exciting. I pretty much copied most of the deals from here and here to maximize my coupon usage at Walgreens. I got everything in the first picture (value of $104.57) for $13.47. I was happy to get some things that we always need, such as trash bags, paper towels and toilet paper. I added another box of trash bags to one of those deals because the scenario was listed for buying 5 cans of tuna as part of the deal. I did not need or want tuna.

Then I hit Family Dollar with my Snuggle coupons and got everything in that picture for $3.35.

I came in under $20.00 for everything in both pictures.

Super Saturday

2010-03-27T18:03:00.005-04:00

Sister and I shopped all over her town today, and I came home with a haul! The above items should have cost $135. 43, but with combining sales with coupons, I spent $36. 65! I was able to get many of the items absolutely FREE! The following were free due to coupons:

2 Packages of Irish Spring bar soap
4 Snickers bars
2 tubs of I Can't Believe it's not Butter
8 boxes of Ronzoni Pasta
2 Tostitos Dips
2 of the packages of Bistro lunchmeat
5 packages of Bar S smoked sausage

Not bad, heh? This is why I save coupons.

The only items that I did not have a coupon for were the Powerade, the oranges, and the chips (but they were on a special deal, and buying them gave me the Tostitos dip for free)

We also hit Kohl's (bought a greatly reduced suit and sport-coat for hubby , with an additional 30 % off)

Wal-mart -had a couple of free item coupons and some other good ones there as well.

I got free shampoo at CVS

The day ended on a sour note however due to a huge misunderstanding on the part of the checker at Kroger's. I let these things get to me, but she clearly did not know how coupons work. I did make one mistake because there are no posted or clear rules on their coupon policy. I had 3 too many Ronzoni coupons in my order. After I did that (even though I offered to return them) she acted as if I was out to "get" them. I was in the right other than my Ronzoni error, but she started questioning all of my coupons after that. I will shake this feeling off, but I hate being made to feel like I am cheating when I try so hard to be ethical. Would some of you out there vouch for me, and could you please call this Kroger store?

I will sleep better tonight if you do!

All for now, I need to cook tonight.

Frugal Friday

2010-03-26T20:43:00.002-04:00

Things I did frugally today:

Wore slacks from a local Thrift shop
Carried a purse from Goodwill
Wore a jacket that a friend gave me
Put ripe bananas in my freezer that our school was giving away due to the beginning of our Spring Break
Used a total of 13 coupons at 3 different stores
Will watch a rented movie at home instead of going to a theatre

Not so frugal: husband and I ate out tonight for the 2nd night in a row

(you win some, you lose some)

Congratulations!

2010-03-26T09:27:00.002-04:00

The winner is ........"Sister" who said that she would try Blackberry. The winning number was picked at random by a 5th grade teacher at the school where I work. "Sister" you will be contacted soon so that I may obtain your mailing address!

Give-Away # 2

2010-03-22T18:15:00.005-04:00

A while back I was contacted by MyBlogSpark and Yoplait about doing another review / give-away. This one was for Yoplus yogurt. Now, if you really really know me, you know that I have never really been a fan of yogurt.

Never, seriously.

Recently, however I bought some desert type yogurts and decided they were not so bad. I know it was probably the sweetener that attracted me, but I kept buying them for a while. Still, staying away from "real" yogurt.

Then along comes this proposal. They provided me with a Yoplus "better-for-you" gift pack which includes a VIP coupon, and all the cool items you see in the picture. So I decided to give it a try.

Honest opinion?

I really liked it! I chose the blackberry / pomegranate flavor, and I was quite surprised. I am pleased (now that I actually like the stuff) to offer the same for one of my readers.

First I will share the information that Yoplait and MyBlogSpark provided:

Each 4 oz cup of Yoplus contains the following benefits:

Antioxidant vitamins A and E (now with 20 % of your recommended daily value)
A blend of pro-biotic cultures & fiber (three grams of fiber per 4 oz serving) for digestive health
Calcium and vitamin D for bone health

Yoplus comes in 6 flavors, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Peach, Blackberry Pomegranate and Blueberry Acai , and is available in a light variety.

So, if you would like to win a gift package like the one pictured , here's the drill:

Leave a comment stating which flavor you would like to try
Leave your contact information (unless I have it already)
Come back and check on Friday (March 26th) when I will announce the winner

I am tired, but it is a good tired.

2010-03-21T22:21:00.005-04:00

I hear that phrase a lot. Tonight I know exactly what it means. I have pretty much devoted this weekend to our oldest son. He has just moved into his first solo apartment, and since it was unfurnished there was much to be done.

Thursday we went shopping. Husband and I bought many items together, and I made a few trips this weekend on my own. On Friday I picked up the two chairs you see in the picture from a teacher in my district. He was getting rid of them, and Jake was the benefactor! On Saturday I started cooking food to take to the apartment. On Saturday evening husband made a trip to my sister's house and picked up shelves, chairs, small tables, and other items that she is loaning to Jake. I stayed home to continue cooking, and to do our own cleaning and laundry.

After church today we went to Menard's to pick up some large area rugs, and headed out of town to his apartment. Luckily, we had borrowed Husband's folk's van, because we filled every nook and cranny of it with things to take. Yippee for me, I was able to clear out a good number of things from our basement to help him out.

When we arrived I started working in the kitchen. There were boxes and tubs everywhere, and I thought we would never get done. Husband started putting together a shelving unit and a microwave cart. As soon as these were completed, it took no time to empty the boxes and put things away. The cabinets are older metal cabinets, and really there are not enough for dishes and food, so the metal shelving unit is being used for an open pantry.

Youngest son got busy putting together a small desk, and I began working in the kitchen. Jake was busy going from one to another helping everyone. After about an hour the kitchen was shaping up pretty well and I started to put the finishing touches on the food I brought. I put together some baked beans and put those and the mac and cheese in his small oven. They practically filled the oven, my pans were really big, and it is an apartment size stove.

Three friends had come over to help out, and they got busy putting together a stand up clothing rack/closet and putting CDs on a shelf. Soon we all sat down to our supper of Italian Beef, homemade mac and cheese, baked beans, chips, carrots, and dip, plus red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing , and brownies.

We stayed about another hour and a half unpacking, and doing odds and ends. After all was said and done, we still made it home by 8:30.

It really did keep me busy this weekend, but it was a lot of fun, and I think Jake appreciated it. It sure did help him get settled faster.

Time Flies!

2010-03-15T16:40:00.002-04:00

I know I have not posted for a while, but things have truly been busy!

Husband and I have attended a wedding two weeks in a row, and these were not just any weddings. They were of children of some of our closest friends! We had so much fun!

Our oldest son just rented an apartment so we have been busy gathering things for that and that has kept us busy as well.

I will post more soon, but I simply do not have time right now. Keep on the lookout for another give-away!

WINNER WINNER WINNER

2010-03-05T07:01:00.003-05:00

This is Friday the 5th and time for my first ever blog winner (more to come). The winner is...Sara! Sara said she spends time on Sunday mornings with her 1 year old. Sara, I have emailed you, reply to my email and your gift will be on its way!

Look for another contest soon!

I Need Therapy

2010-03-02T16:30:00.004-05:00

********Don't forget to scroll down and enter my contest. Enter by leaving a comment on the Pillsbury post. Tell me how to contact you**********

I wonder if there are any coupon support groups out there? Maybe one for coupon addicts, or one for coupon crazed middle aged women, or most importantly, a group for those who suffer from melt downs when a coupon was not credited? Yikes. I have fallen into the last group and just to let you know how very low I have fallen, let me tell you what happened last night:

I made trips to two different Walgreens last night and did very well with my wheeling and dealing. I did 4 transactions and because of great coupons, I made money on some items which transfered over to savings on other items. I was quite smug, yet a tiny bit confused when I left the store. I knew something did not seem right, but I came home anyway. Two hours later, I am curled up in my pajamas, in my bed, when it hit me! The clerk did not take off my buy one get one coupon! A B1G1 no less! How dare he? I did the math and realized that my total would have been $2.99 less. $2.99, why that's a gallon of milk and a candy bar and I just lost it to a clerk that forgot to deduct it from my total.

I am embarrassed to say what I did next. I got out of bed, threw off my pj bottoms, slipped on my slacks, my coat and shoes, receipt in hand, and went back! Now, the store is only 2 minutes away, so at least I am not totally crazy, but I was pleased as punch when the manager handed over cash to me to cover the coupon.

Pictured above is my loot for the evening. And my final total was only $8.63! ( I even came home with a $3.00 RR from the Kleenex!) Just look at all that stuff! I know I am a bit crazy, but the craziness helps the budget.

My First Give-Away!

2010-02-28T19:50:00.004-05:00

I have never hosted a give-away before so I was very excited when My Blog Spark and Pillsbury contacted me with an offer for myself and one lucky reader. I was given a "Sweet Sunday Mornings Moments" gift pack which included a VIP coupon for free Pillsbury Sweet Rolls and a photo album to hold cherished memories of my family. Now, I get to offer the same to one reader!

So readers, here is the question? What makes your Sunday Mornings special? Do they start out with delicious, warm Pillsbury Sweet Rolls, drizzled with yummy icing? Awwww, can't you just smell them right now?

Leave a comment to this post and tell me what makes your Sunday mornings special. Please make sure to leave your email address so I have a way to contact you if you win. I will number all entries and pull one number for the winner.

I can only pick from comments to this post, so make sure and leave a quick comment if you want to win! I will close out this contest on Friday March 5th and pick my winner at that time. The winner will be notified by email.

Sunday Shopping / New Store

2010-02-21T14:39:00.004-05:00

CVS purchases on left, Walgreens' purchases on right. I felt it best to put a bit of space between the two. I don't think the stores are too happy about being right across the street from one another, and I do not want to anger them.

The local CVS decided I was their best customer, so they built a brand-spankin' new store, just for me! It is beautiful, and I am thrilled about it. Okay, so maybe it is not just for me, but it should be, right? Anyway, I am hoping they will be well stocked for all of my bargain hunting.

I did alright in my quick Sunday shopping trip. My total for both stores due to some great coupons is $ 7.23. Not bad for 10 cans of tuna ( and I don't even like tuna, but the boys do), 4 Honey Nut Cherrios' cups, 1 Softsoap, 1 Air Wick freshener, 2 boxes of cereal, and 2 cans of tomato sauce.

A Slice of Life

2010-02-20T22:16:00.002-05:00

Husband and I just returned from a 2 day get-a-way.

Oh how I love a little change of pace every now and then!

Yesterday was our oldest son's birthday, so we traveled to meet him and youngest for supper. A friend of theirs came along and we had a really nice meal. Afterwards we stopped at a Cold Stone Creamery (need I say more?) After ice cream, husband and I headed to Springfield to spend the night. We all met up again this morning and toured the Abraham Lincoln Museum. That is a very worthwhile trip, but I did not expect it to make me cry. Twice. I teared up the first time when we reached the room of their dying son, then again when I watched the interactive map that had a running count of the causalities from the Civil War. I guess it was a "mom" thing, but I couldn't help tearing up.

Afterwards, our youngest led us to a great down-town pizza place and we had an amazing lunch. He also suggested that we tour the Dana-Thomas House. (Frank Lloyd Wright designed). That too was a treat.

All in all it was just a great escape with our family and a good chance to celebrate our son's birthday.

Tomorrow's worship will top the weekend off and then it will be back to the routine.

Quick Trip to CVS and an Easy Supper

2010-02-16T19:20:00.005-05:00

I am shopping less as of late, because we need so little. I did run into CVS tonight to pick up just a few things. I spent a total of $7.08 out of pocket and earned back $4.00 for my next trip. I love these Glade candles, and these are the nice big 3 wick style. This is our favorite toothpaste, so I was glad to get it as a money maker. The other items were great deals as well, and I needed the milk. I pretty much copied some of the deals from this site, so go here if you want the details. Thanks to Jamie for the deals, and thanks to my friend Kara for one of the necessary coupons. Can you believe it, I left home without a needed coupon?

After CVS and a trip to the bank, I needed an easy supper. This is one of my "go to" recipes for a tasty pizza supper. My friend Kelley gave me the pizza dough recipe years ago and I have used it countless times. Oldest son took this recipe with him to Amsterdam and made pizza for the crew at the hostel on several occasions during his 6 month employment there. So, you could say this recipe has been around! Tonight I doubled the recipe to have a thicker crust. The recipe below is the original recipe (not doubled)

***Take notice of what the pizza is on. I bake my pizzas on what is known as a pizza screen. You can get them at most restaurant supply stores. They allow a more uniform baking on the bottom crust. They are also amazing for oven fries. In this picture the pizza screen is on top of a pizza pan, that is how I cut it (less crumbs on my stove)***

Pizza Dough

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 pkg dry yeast

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup hot water

1 TBS vegetable (or olive) oil

3/4 tsp sugar

Mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar together in medium bowl. Stir in water and oil. Mix well and place in bowl with 1 TBS oil, turn dough to coat well with the oil. cover and let rise 45 minutes or until double. Roll or spread into greased pan, top with favorite toppings , and bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Update / This never happens to me...

2010-02-13T21:55:00.004-05:00

Husband is very fortunate tonight. I am never this lucky. I just wonder how long it will be before World War 3 breaks out on top of him?

"One step away from Heaven"

2010-02-13T21:16:00.003-05:00

I asked husband to help me fold laundry. He told me no. This is quite unusual for him. When I asked why, he told me, "Not now, I'm one step away from Heaven." When I looked, this is what I found. I guess I can't argue with this.

Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

2010-02-13T16:59:00.005-05:00

You know the drill...click in the middle of this picture if you want to see these up close and personal!

Do you remember the old Rice Krispie Treat commercial where the mom pretended she worked all day making them? Well, this is one of those recipes. It is so easy that you feel guilty. Just throw your ingredients into the bread machine, walk away for a while. Then you roll the dough out, slather it with goodness, and pop those babies in the oven. A second rise is not required, although I might let them at least rise about 1/2 hour before baking. They did spread out a lot, but did not rise much in height. Other than that I would not change a thing. But believe me, not having them rise a second time will not prevent us from gobbling them up! The icing is very yummy as well.

I found the recipe on Money Saving Mom's site and have included the link here. I made mine a bit smaller than hers, because then I think I can eat twice as many...

I just decided this was "Be kind to husband week" and have done my baking based on his favorites. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day you know.

Husband just had one and declared this recipe "A Keeper"

Oatmeal Sugar Cookies

2010-02-10T14:19:00.009-05:00

(To truly appreciate this picture, you need to click in the middle of it so you can see the "sugary-cinnamony" goodness.)

I told husband that since I was out of school today that I would make him something special. These are some of husband's very favorite cookies, but for some reason I forget about them. They do require the extra steps of rolling into balls and then rolling in cinnamon-sugar, so maybe that is why I neglect making them.

They are very tasty though. They are not your old fashioned soft and chewy oatmeal cookie. When baked just right they have a slightly crisp sugary outer "shell" and then they give way to a slightly bendable soft inside. The cinnamon-sugar coating sets these apart from most oatmeal cookies. I think you would enjoy them.

There, I took a bite for you.

Husband should hurry home before they are all gone.

Oatmeal Sugar Cookies

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup shortening

Cream together, then add:

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla

Then add 3 cups quick cooking oats

Mix well, roll into small balls, then roll balls into a sugar-cinnamon mixture.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes. I usually rotate my cookie sheets half way through. Remove immediately to cooling racks. Enjoy!

SNOW DAY- 2nd in a Row!

2010-02-10T10:49:00.003-05:00

I needed these days. Yesterday I organized all of my coupons flyers, stripped the bed, made a yummy supper and relaxed (a lot). Today I am emptying out my chest of drawers and completely sorting the contents. This has needed done for a while. I might move on to husband's clothing after that...He has accumulated quite a stash of tee shirts.

My Life as of Late

2010-02-09T20:14:00.002-05:00

I have not done much personal posting lately. I guess that comes in seasons for me. Sometimes I feel deeply about something and have to get it out, sometimes I keep stuff in. Lately, I have held a lot in. I have had many things I have turned over in my head, but not willing to put them out there, publicly, on a blog.

As far as our family goes, the 4 of us are okay. Oldest is seeking a better job, (and if anyone knows of something, please please let us know.) Youngest is busy with school and is perfecting his artistic talents. My boys are really quite creative. I feel so blessed to have grown sons that love God, love us, and consider each other to be their best friend.

My health is fine and sometimes I forget about my previous health concerns. Odd that I would "forget", but sometimes I really do. Cancer seems so far away and long ago. I am so fortunate compared to others.

Life around us has changed, and we are trying to adjust. Parents age, family members face serious health issues, friends disappoint, finances fluctuate, and life goes on. I am so thankful that we are Christians and can lean on and rely on God to get us through life's trials.

At some point I may go deeper into all of the above, but for now I choose not to.

I just wanted you to all know that I am still around.

Walgreens' Bargains

2010-02-07T16:01:00.003-05:00

Without coupons this would have cost $79.50 , with coupons it cost just $19.97 plus I left with a $5.00 RR for my next trip. Bottom line spending : $14.97.

I did not start out with any Register Rewards, but I did have some sweet coupons. I did do 6 transactions to make everything work to my advantage. No one was in line, and the clerk is super nice to me. I go in there often, and I use a ton of coupons. This store realizes how much income my coupons generate for them.

I just mentioned to someone about 2 weeks ago that I was out of men's body wash. Since last Sunday I have added 5 to the stockpile, and have made money on all of them!

CVS -ing

2010-01-31T16:01:00.003-05:00

I have not done much shopping at CVS for a very long time. The deals just have not been nearly as nice as at Walgreens. Today, I did alright. I had a $4.00 ECB that would expire in 4 days, so I was glad to find a deal for it. Counting that ECB, some nice manufacturer coupons, and a $4.00 off of $20.00 CVS coupon, I spent a total of $6.04 for everything in the picture and left the store with another $5.49 in Extra Care Bucks! I was especially happy to get the deal on the fish oil, because I use it every day. That was my first transaction , and thanks to coupons and a B1G1 sale, my total came to a minus .96! I bought the travel kit (clearance item) to bring it back up!

My stockpile is so full right now, and I am really cherry picking my deals. I am mostly concentrating on what we need, but will stock up on what we like at great prices.

Swag Bucks

2010-01-15T23:24:00.003-05:00

Okay,

I have not really gone "commercial" on this blog, but I just want to share something I recently discovered. Swag Bucks. They are "digital" dollars that you earn from doing nothing more than normal, everyday, on-line searches. Like going to Google and searching for whatever. Only now, I go through Swag Bucks and earn while I search. I just joined last weekend and am already up to 24 bucks. I will trade these in for a $5.00 Amazon gift card when I hit 45 , all without spending a penny!

If you refer people then you earn even faster, because you earn when they earn! So, this is my shameless plug. Click on the banner on the side of my blog and check it out. If you are going to search, you might as well earn something!

I get my snow day!

2010-01-07T23:56:00.001-05:00

Our district announced earlier this evening that there is no school tomorrow! Thank you for announcing early! Husband and I just watched a movie, and will sleep in tomorrow. (His day off)

I love bonus days!

If you have to get out, you might as well shop!

2010-01-07T18:19:00.003-05:00

Well, since they made me go to school today, I guess it wasn't that hard to get out to Walgreens.
Plus, Walgreens has had a bunch of deals this week.

I did not take a picture of it, but last night I purchased 4 -24 packs of Aquafina Water. I spent just under $16.00, but got back $10.00 in Register Rewards. Today, I took that RR, and some sweet coupons and took out my stress over not having a snow day, and went shopping. I purchased all of this loot for $3.42 out of pocket. I then earned back another $10.00 in Register Rewards for later.

The Ester C was BOGO this week, plus I had 2 $5.00 coupons. Husband uses this EVERY day. The beef broth was clearanced to .34 cents a can, and I use a lot of this in the winter. I was out, so I was glad to see it! It expires in 2012. The cookies and crackers were all free after coupons and RRs. I made money on the Neosporin Lip products, and the Jergen's Lotion ended up being .29 cents after coupons and RRs.

I used about $24.00 in coupons plus the Register Reward.