I LOVE DILLARDS.....

It is that time again!!!
I found some cute little girl sandals and shoes......plus loads of mens clothing marked down
70% + take an additional 40% off.


Now if I can just get Kevin to try the stuff on!

Heedless WASTING....

Flagrant gluttony.  I have been documenting different incidents for a week or two in preparation for this post.  We have a problem here at our home.....it stems from the man I love.  With all his wonderful and redeeming qualities, he has one that really gets me down.  He wastes.  All the time.  He does not give a thought to excess......which I in turn am the opposite.  I realize I am fighting a loosing battle.  We are who we are.  He likes what he likes.  He does not like running out of pizza, or crescents, or Chocolate Ice cream........or, or, or.......He will always ere on the side of excess.  

I take after my Grandma Strong, she was alive during the depression.  She was a saver to the EXTREME.  My sisters will have to correct me if I am wrong, but if my memory serves me correctly (which I highly doubt), she would only chew a fourth of a piece of gum at one time.  If we asked for a piece of gum, that is what we would get.....try it out.  It is hard to keep track of that little guy.  I believe she would also separate the plys of t.p.  am I making this up????  I am honestly not sure.....but how would I think of something that insane on my own?  My point is,  yes, I take after her....and I am proud of that fact.  But I am NOT extreme in any way.  Just practical.  NOT gluttonous....except for maybe on extra special GNOs or holidays, etc.  

If you look at the first picture below of the pizza,  the left side is actually what is left after all members of our family have gorged themselves as much as possible.   The picture to the right is the wasted crust that is thoughtlessly thrown into one of the many empty boxes.  This is the way K orders.  When he is away I will order just enough.  None of us go hungry, but no extra either (there is no reason we need to be eating pizza for three days straight), plus, since we can all see there is not going to be a limitless supply of pizza slices to dive into, we also choose to eat our crust.  WIN - WIN.

 This next photo is another example of excess......K demands that we make TWO tubes of crescents when I bake these up for a "special" accent to a meal.  My thoughts are, this is NOT THE MEAL....it is a little "extra" that  enhances the meal.  No one needs 2, 3, or more crescents to eat with a meal.  If that were the case, the meal would not get eaten at all.

 OK, this just happened a week ago....apparently K HAS TO HAVE CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM IN THE HOME AT ALL TIMES, and AT ANY PRICE. (news to me)  Mind you....we had chocolate ice cream available here in the freezer for several weeks prior to him DYING for some.  He asked me to get some, I said sure, I will see if it goes on sale next week.  I will stock up.  Well, that was not going to cut it....he tried to make me go get some, but when that failed to happen immediately he took matters into his own hands and went to Walgreens at like 9:55pm.  He spent pretty much what I would spend on a weeks worth of groceries for what you see here.  PLUS....to top it off, he thought he got MINT Ice cream.....look closely.....you can see he actually got Pistachio Almond.  Not one single person in our home except for me will touch that ice cream with a ten foot pole.  Thank you so very much.  Now I am forced to waste my fat and calories on this crap....that I did not choose.  There is no way it is going to waste.......except for the obvious one that is on top of my hips.

PS - his emergency crisis is over and the chocolate ice cream still sits almost full in the freezer.  The Pistachio is almost gone, thanks to me.

 The thing that actually got this started in my mind was this shot below.  K wastes olive oil like you cannot believe.  These eggs are covered.  WHO would do this???  I cannot choke down his eggs anymore.  Sure they taste fine...but come on, it is soooooo dripping w/ oil.  I will take a pass thanks.

I love a handsome man in an apron!

On the flip side to all of this waste.....Kevin is one of the most GENEROUS people I know.  He would give you the shirt off his back.  He is generous with his time, very generous with his interesting gifts.  He is a sweet and wonderful husband and father, and a smart savvy business man.  With all the running of my mouth.... the bottom line is that it is ok that we are different on this issue.  K is my man and I love him in excess!

Sharing what we've learned.....

Sunday was our much anticipated primary presentation....., in years past we have flip-flopped the meetings so that sacrament is last. This gives us an additional 2 hours to fine tune and work out any kinks with the children and their songs and parts. I really wanted to try not to do that this go round for a few reasons. One it is such a long day for the kids, not to mention our music leader, pianist, etc. I think it starts to take away from the joy of doing it, by doing it way too much. It starts to feel like the Florida FCAT tests or something. I really don't think "perfection" is what we are aiming for. We want the kids to be able to share what they have been learning this year in primary. When the time came though, I was having huge second thoughts and wondering if that was a good move after all.

The program was beautiful. I can brag it up as much as I feel like because it had nothing to do with anything I did. This was delegated to my wonderful counselor Colleen at the beginning of this year. She was to be in charge of the program. (Very smart move on my part)!! Between she and Kathy, our music leader, and of course Anita, our magnificent pianist. They put together and worked with the kids on making the program a very special event. There were many highlights, special musical solos, some of the kids did sign language for the songs, some helped lead the music, Ryker accompanied the primary as they sang 9 verses of Follow the Prophet. I loved it when all our Primary boys stood up together and sang, I Hope They Call Me On A Mission, with our ward missionaries, and Brother Lewis leading them. Our boys said they really liked singing that as well. This was as much a ward effort as it was a primary....with the flutes, and Johnson family song. Thanks to all for your participation. The best part was really the whole entire meeting for me. Being able to watch the kids faces and see their joy and excitement. The spirit was strong, happy, and beautiful. I was able to sit on the front row and watch the program. In years past I have been the one hunkered behind the little wall by the microphone assisting the kids with their lines, etc. I love our primary children! This collage is just a handful of them. (These are the only pics I could get my hands on at the moment). Thanks to all you wonderful parents and teachers that are so supportive.

Our theme this year is - I Know My Savior Lives - each month has a mini theme that fits with this focus on our Savior. This weeks topic was, My love for Jesus Christ grows when I study the Scriptures - for sharing time I read with the kids in 3 Nephi 17. I love this chapter....I can only imagine.

This chapter is when the Savior is visiting the Nephites, he had been teaching them. It is time for him to go, he knows they don't understand all that he has taught, and suggests they retire to their homes and ponder what he has spoken. As he looks around at the multitude though, they are not getting up to go, they do not want him to leave. They do not want their time with him to end so soon. He is filled with compassion for them. He stays. He heals them, every one that is brought to him. He commands that all the children be brought to Him. He prays for them. He prays such great and marvelous things unto the Father that His words cannot even be written. He blesses them, one by one. He wept for them, and with them. Angels encircle and minister to these children. I can only imagine..... When I do imagine, which is not near as often as I would like it to be, the resounding feeling I get is that Christ is unhurried. He is single minded, and focused on the love and compassion he has for the people. He has time for every single person. He will stay as long as He is needed. He WANTS to stay. It is not a burden. He is not put out in any way. Old and young. Rich or poor. Large or small. It makes no difference, He loves us all.

Close to disappointment.....

Ok....here it is, all of you coupon nay sayers.... here is your chance to gloat a bit. I had a rough time at Publix today. I got put through the ringer. After all was said and done it was a decent trip..... spent $49.48/ Saved $127.36, it did not come easy, and was not the best savings. Here is rundown : I got there, did my shopping, took a little longer than usual, I changed my mind on a few items, blah - deee - blah. By the time I was done wishy washing around I was really ready to get out of there in a flash. Not possible with a hoard of coupons, but just hoping.

I made the mistake of picking a line w/ a new guy....do not make that mistake yourself. After I had all my groceries loaded onto the belt I also realized he is a big time "talker", had a comment, remedy, or handy advice for just about every product that came across the scanner. I know a great deal about his dog now, and what kind of Smart Balance oil he pours on his food each day......and.....and...... So Steve had an associate near by to assist him in his training. I recognized Phil. He is an expert at his job, and takes it very seriously. Maybe a little more so than is necessary. In fact I try and avoid his line if possible because he has been one in the past to turn down certain competitor coupons that other cashiers say are completely fine. So this is not looking good. Too late to realize that now.

Finally we are starting to go through the coupons. By this time I have warned several customers that have come in line behind me. Some try and stick it out and end up leaving. One lady midway through got kinda loud and frustrated and took off. Yep...true story. Tina I understand if you cannot continue reading....I know this is hard to take.

We have crawled through the manufacture coupons, the competitor, the current Publix Qs and I am handing over the expired Store Qs that NEVER EXPIRE AT MY PUBLIX. You have heard me say it a million times. I have been told it time and again. BUT.....Nope, not today.......one of the first coupons does not go through, and I say, that is right, it is expired, you will have to manually enter it. Phil takes it and looks at the date......oooop, nope, it is past 30 days expired, sorry we can't take that. I was taken aback naturally.....hmmmmmm, now when did this change occur? Oh, just recently, we were having coupons come in that were close to a year expired. I was like....well yeah! Sure you were, that is the fantastic beauty of it. I said, well, if I can't use these coupons than I unfortunately will have to return quite a few items. He was like, that's fine. Ummmmm, ok, so me and another checker, Fisher, start digging through my full cart of bags, rifling out 2 packs of batteries, 2 cartons of Smart Balance milk.....and I am starting to get on edge. Phil took a hike up to the front desk and I went over and asked Loretta what in the heck? She said no way, it did not change, Phil is up in the night. I KNEW IT! I go back, Phil brings a manger, the manager says it is perfectly fine.

Me and the poor new guy, that was just trained in every coupon type known to man, as well as on returns, and buy backs, attempted to salvage and finish the transaction. Phil stood by with egg on his face.

OK - was I mortified? Surprisingly no. I knew I was not doing anything wrong, and that someone was just feeling smug and power hungry or something. I was definitely disappointed for the time that was wasted. This was a first for me, and although it was not the least bit enjoyable, I took it in stride. I did the old "Grin and Bear it" and I would do it again. I stand by my savings. I am ALL IN. I like the fact that you don't need to let people intimidate or try and bully you into agreeing w/ something that is not policy. Just stay polite and calm....it will work its way out. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification, and stand your ground when appropriate. I don't make the rules....I just play by them. I am having a hard time stopping w/the sayings and stuff, I am going to force quit right now.

McCauley and I made up for this episode later at the mall.

Part two:

The pair of us took off after school. M had a $10 Claires GC she got for her birthday burning a hole in her pocket. I had a severe hankering to sooth my annoyance from earlier w/ a little Dillards retail shopping therapie. This is what M purchased, a hair piece w/ beads in it. It is strikingly similar to her own hair color. We will take more pictures later, I have no doubt, but this gives you a quick sneak peak. She also bought a sparkly bright pink heart necklace that matches it. SWEET PURCHASE! I fronted her .60 cents.

Here is my score......70% off Gianni Binis - $20....they are super comfy. I will be sporting them on Sunday. McCauley had the best time trying on shoes while I made my mind up on one pair only. (It really was hands down on these though). She is convinced she fits into the ladies size 5's. She was a little bummed that I wouldn't get her the $99 rhinestone pimp pumps she was cruising around in. But then I reminded her that we each already had EXACTLY what we came for.

24 hours only......

OK, I love this song. I don't drink, don't smoke, or do drugs of any kind. But this is my power song right now. I can play it at any moment and start to sweat because my adrenaline kicks in and I am ready to rocket out on a fast sprint. I disagree with this guys mode of taking it easy, but I love his other sentiments. The gist of this pumpin tune is to live in the moment. Enjoy the now. Make the most of TODAY!! Run hard on THIS run. If you are going to take a nap....GO ALL IN. Dive into that book. Relish the skyline. Notice the BEAUTIFUL DETAILS THAT MAKE UP YOUR LIFE. Tomorrow will come with or with out your pining for it, or wishing today away. Don't rush past this stage (except for Tina and Heather). Embrace the place you're in today.

"Turn the quite up, turn the noise down, let this old world just spin around. I wanna feel its swing, I wanna feel its sway........" I wanna little more right now......a little less whats next!!! Act like tomorrow's 10 years away....Yeah.....! Whoooohooo! I wanna sit right here....... I wanna make pretend that I just don't care....(course I do!!) Yeah...!

One of my very favorite times each day is at 2:55pm. Each week day this it the time I put anything else I may have been doing away. I make sure the snack is ready and head outside. There is a little slice of shade from one of our palm trees that I wait in on the side walk out front. Today I grabbed a few hershey kisses, my water and our neighbors chair and sat down to wait for the show. The kids were very fast today....I hadn't been out more than a minute before they came zoooming around the corner at the end of the street. I don't think I will ever get tiered of seeing this exact sight. It does not get any better than this. I love to see their expressions, Ryker always acts as if I am out of my mind to be out there every day, he shakes his head at me, but can't help smiling. Lawson, I can tell how he did on his tests.....VERY WELL again today...he is happy. McCauley is usually exasperated about something one of the boys just did. We walk in and I hear all about their day. This will be a detail at the top of my list that I will miss the most. At first when I did this each day they asked why, and it seemed like they didn't care. Then one day I missed, I was caught up in the noise of what I was doing. They were like, why weren't you outside?? what were you doing? You are supposed to be watching for us!!! So I guess they notice when I don't show. Poor Ethan gets nothing. He just saunters in around 4:30....no fan fare at all. :(

You won't find this song tomorrow on the top of my play list, (for obvious reasons) but couldn't help sharing it just for today.

Get LOUD! Love that heavy bass!

One of my Favorite sites.....

I really like books. I like holding them in my hands, seeing the different covers, sizes, I enjoy reading. I like the actual book itself. I have no desire to read an IPAD, or a phone, or a Kimble.....I don't even know if I am writing that correctly. I am old school, and I want a book in my hands. Maybe someday I will eat my words on this subject.

Reading makes me feel like I am on a mini vacation, probably because that is how I like to spend big chunks of time whenever we go away. My only complaint with reading is that I cannot stay awake for long stretches of time. It doesn't matter the hour of the day, I have to move, eat, drink....anything to try and stay awake! That is a real bummer, but I seem to make it through each book eventually. (V and I were just talking about this the other day....I know I am not alone with this nuisance).

This is my current basket of books waiting to be read. Many of them came by way of SWAP.COM This is the favorite site I am talking about. Just click on the link. Basically it is a place you can post any dvds, books, and games you have that you want to swap for something else. You just pay to ship your item. I have completed around 10 swaps. So far I have only swapped our dvds...they are really cheap to ship - around $1.75 or less. I in return get the book I have been looking for.
Below is todays stack of books from the library for the kids. I found some sweet new gems today. I am excited to report that I am an "official" library volunteer as of today. Giving back to the community....that is what I am all about.....Ha! I went in for training for a few hours today. I loved it. I will start out in youth services, my job will be to go in before the library opens every Tuesday, from 10 - noon, I will shelve the carts of returned books that have been checked in already, and pull the list of items that have been requested by patrons from other libraries for that day. Whooohooo!!!

One of the funnest things about my first day on the job was that some of my very cute primary kids came in while I was getting to know the Dewey Decimal System better. Little Dek and Izzy, as well as Michelle and Zack....plus I got to visit with their moms....who happen to be a few of my favorite people. So that was a very sweet bonus. At first I was excited that I get to go in before opening time....but after having been there while patrons (very professional language), were there I am wondering if I will like it as well. We shall see. One of the best parts about volunteering is that I get to go in the "OFF LIMITS" areas. Staff ONLY! Bingo....coming through peeps. It is a pretty sweet set up back there, I'm not going to lie.
The delivery that arrived today from my recent trade with SWAP.COM you should try it! Tina I got my book!!!! Mine is waaaaaayyyyyy smaller than yours, and the writing is miniature. Yipes!! Keri, did you ever finish ATLAS SHRUGGED??? What'd you think?

I don't know what to call this post.....

Today was a pretty sweet day overall. Shelly and I met at the usual time and place. We have made it official - we will run each M - W - F - so please come meet up with us if you ever want to. 6:00am, Gleason, then run the causeway. We have made a further commitment to add a second run to those same running days to prepare for the Ragnar. My sister HB asked what the Ragnar race is - it is a 202 mile race, relayed between 12 team members. We will each have three legs to run, ranging anywhere from 3.7 miles - 9 or 10....can't remember exactly. (Colleen if you read this maybe you can add some details??? and tell us which leg we are running!!! How scared do we need to be?) The run will take place on November 19th - 20th and will be from Clearwater FL - Daytona Bch. I have heard this is a beautiful stretch.

Later, I did more running at the gym and some other stuff. On my way home from some of that stuff I drove past our "new" neighbors and waved for the bazillionth time. When do they stop being new neighbors? After living there one month, six months, a year? I am guessing they will become regular neighbors when we (I) actually walk over and meet them. They were sitting outside visiting. I decided to get er done, you know, be productive. I snatched one of the bags of Milano Cookies and made the trip. Dan and BB - they are a nice couple. We were having some light chit-chat, and then I asked, So what do you two do? DUMB. They proceeded to tell me of their day jobs, etc. Then of course they asked me in return to be polite. Man, that really caught me off guard. I was ho-humming around, trying to think of something not totally loserish to say. I like my life, but saying I have a new blog, and do running, and couponing each day didn't sound like enough. I was stumped, they knew it, and I knew it. Next thing you know I am having to dig up what I used to do to sound like a contributing citizen.....aaaa well, I used to home school our kids, but now I don't. I am still working out the details.....and I went to the beach today.

At the beach.....of course it was dazzling. I found a new spot that was empty. Just a few specs of other humans a ways off. There was a nice breeze, I was just stopping for an hour or so. No guilt or harm in that....I have allotted myself a guilt free stint of time, up to 3 hours of beach time each week. Taken probably in 2 installments of 1.5 hours each.

Nothing but blue skys.....puffy white clouds......fluffy bubbles.........white surf.......
Smooooooooooth sand as far as the eye can see.........
and this bright Red................!? This really stopped me in my reverie. An abrupt halt.
I left the beach soon after this sight. When I pulled up to the house, I was not disappointed to see Kevin's truck in the drive way. Not even really surprised....I'm trying to pinpoint just what I felt....caught?....yeah, that's the one. Anyway, I went in and acted nonchalant about the whole thing....I immediately got right into sewing that button on his shorts that came off a few weeks back. Busy, busy....I finished that right up while he was still there. All done. I will check that off my list.

Local Boy.....

Makes BIG In Satellite Beach! Lawson's first 100% spelling test!

Here's the story....the kids have been in public school for 4 weeks I think, since August 9th. A few weeks into the adventure I feel like things are going pretty good. The kids are getting used to the long hours, they seem happy with the situation. We are doing daily homework, and so on. I notice that L has a few low scores, on this and that, but nothing too startling. I plan to pick up the pace w/ him and work more on his spelling, etc. We start to gently increase the pace. A few more days pass, and I am noticing L getting a little quite, not as enthusiastic about his schooling. I ask him how his day went....kinda boring. Hmmmm, that is weird. I am trying to figure out what is wrong. Is someone bulling him, is he being left out? and so on. That night I went into the boys room to tuck them in, Lawson had some papers out behind him on his bed. I asked what they were. He was like, oh, nothing, just these papers. Oh, can I see them, do I need to sign something? Awwwww.....I feel I have discovered the problem. A few more low scores and a request to come and meet with his teacher. Great. Yes. Kevin is able to join me. We sit and she very nice, talks about how much she enjoys having Lawson in her class....what a great kid, he is fitting in wonderfully. Socially spot on. But he is struggling in spelling and has huge gaps in his writing and grammer work. yeeesh! Suddenly I feel very Exposed certainly everyone in the room is wondering what in the heck I was doing for the past seven years at home???? My title of AMAZING homeschooling mother of 4 stripped away in an instant. OK. Tell us what we need to do. We left with a hard core game plan. I am so happy for the conference. Thankful that it was only a few weeks into school. Much needed wake up call on what is required of me and how I can help L be a confident and successful student. We began immediately. I remember back when Tina told me what her son does each week for his spelling tests, and I know he gets regular 100s. They do something each day w/ his spelling words (similar to this) - first day triple write each word, next day write and put in alphabetical order, the next write the words in sentences, last a practice spelling test. We have adopted this learning strategy. I imagine this post is extraordinarily boring to most readers. But I am so happy with the changes that I have seen in such a short time with L. He is happy and excited about school again. A burden has been lifted from his young shoulders. We are a team. He has tasted the thrill of working hard and reaping the rewards for his efforts. He told me when I was giving him his words while making breakfast last Thursday, that he could see the words in his mind, and it was easy for him to put them down on paper. We made a big HURAH about his perfect score....because it was big for him/us. The other boys were like, hey, I get 100%, and 95% on this and that all the time. Well, super! Show us! L has been gifted a new lease on learning, and a desire do his best. He knows he has it in him! I heard him say in an excited voice just a day ago, Hey dad....do you wanna work on my words with me??? It sounded like he was inviting him to come on an adventure to go eat slurpees!

M's party pics....

Here are a few photos from McCauley's recent birthday bash. She had lots of fun with her friends. We did a little High School Musical Karaoke. A fun little get to know you game. Some dancing, w/ a lot of girliness thrown in.
We had some design your own whip creamed - sprinkle covered - chocolate sauced - ice cream topped- dark chocolate brownies.....the best I've ever had.
Thanks to all the cutie pies that came. McCauley has been enjoying her gifts non-stop. Thank you!!!

Picture this.....

Shell and I met at Gleason for round two this morning.....I could not resist packing my camera along. I wanted you to be able to picture it for yourself. My camera is junkay....but it will give you an idea. This top shot is at the pond at Gleason Park where we meet. This is at the end of our run, almost 7am.
This is the sweet reward we anticipate upon our return to the park. Mmmmmm....city water never tasted so good. Love that stuff. I really do.
OK, these are the only two post able shots of me. Take a look below....I had a whole galerie of HOT BABE shots of Show off Shelly! Now....the question is - Am I just a ROCKIN photographer? and she a crapy one? or is she just that Sizzlin? Come on already!
A few more sweet sights on the run....Jana (not loving that I had a camera aimed at her).
My knees did not act up today...is that surprising? Not to me either. The picture taking provided many a pause, but I think it was worth it. Go Ragnar Runners!!!

CHA - CHING....

Are you ready???? Here are the numbers..........Saved $239.76, spent $63.79 that is a savings of a really high percent. Unfortunately I can't remember how to calculate percents. HELP. The first picture shows all of the items I had no coupon for.....GASP!!!

Everything else I had coupons for. My deals came from iheartpublix.com one of the fun coupons my kids helped me win was at the KRAFT (just click) site. I personally think the game is way to annoying to play.....but I had three kids going at once on different computers and they won me a few good coupons, had a blast doing it. They were on a mission to save. Eventually their limit was reached. Maybe print a few of the lesser valued coupons if you will use them....but otherwise don't redeem your points unless you get enough for the Homestyle Mac'ncheese....they are BOGO right now at Publix...that means two for free w/ each coupon.
.34 cents a box for for Eggos is a stock up price for sure! I combine the deals Michelle shares at iheartpublix w/ expired Publix coupons to sweeten the already great deals. SAVE ALL YOUR L.U. PUBLIX STORE COUPONS.
ALL FREE....Located in the Super deals @ you know where!
Yep....no cost. 6 bottles of ALL Detergent!
I Meant to post this picture on top.....where it belongs! This is my Publix. A1A...Satellite Beach, FL. The best checkers, managers, and baggers work here. I HEART my Publix.

The good stuff....

Hi Friends, I just finished with the second and last.....YES!!! birthday party w/in the past two weeks. I am so happy to have them done. How hard could it be to throw a 6 yr old birthday party for 10 young girls?? I ask you? It wasn't bad, but it is just stressful. The pics aren't anything special like Lawson's sweet photo gallerie, but I will post a few later.

Today I am thinking of the BREAD OF LIFE....the Good Stuff. The hot tasty comfort of home. I am speaking of the richness of the relationships that we each have in our lives. I know this sounds retarded, but this frivolous little blog of mine has brought me lots of un-anticipated joy. It has deepened friendships, strengthened ties, and shortened distances for me. That makes my heart full. Yummmm....

Running with a Buddy.....

This morning at 6:00 it was gorgeous weather outside. It has not felt that good in a long time. Shelly and I planned to meet up at Gleason to run the causeway. We met and were on our way. I felt so good. I really liked having a running buddy. It is a comfortable feeling having someone with you. Even if we are not talking, or maybe even running single file or whatever. It puts me at ease. It is easier and more enjoyable to focus on my surroundings, the beauty of the dark water, the pretty lights across the river, instead of wondering if I am being stocked, or if someone is about to jump out of the bushes and ambush me or something. So we are going along and I am feeling strong and pretty much like a well oiled - smooth - running machine. LOVING LIFE!! About this time I look over at Shell, and am like, are you ok? yeah, I'm fine, just feeling a little claustrophobic because my necklace is choking me, but I am going to see how far I can make it. WHAT? I don't think so little lady, not on my watch. So we pull over, but are soon are on our way again. I am still in my state of euphoria, actually verbalizing in my mind the joy I am feeling over not having any pain in my right knee. I am thinking, man, I am so glad I don't have to deal with that anymore. I have gotten past that place where my knee acts up. Whooohooo!!! THIS IS THE BEST RUN OF MY LIFE! So then we get to the bottom, and turn around and head back. Shell says she is going to take a slower pace, no prob. I pull ahead a bit, top and head back down......but wait, what is that I feel creeping on??? Nooooooo it is not......! My knee. It must be that it is not used to the incline/decline, since this is the only "hill" we have here!! I tell you it came on fast and furious. I stop to stretch a bit and wait for Shelly. She is right there. We go again, but I am practically limping, I am on the verge of having to say something, fighting the thought of quitting. I am supposed to be the runner here!! I am just about to cave when Shelly blurts out, I am so sorry to be the wet towel, but I have to stop, I need to walk. Say HALLELUJAH!!! Good greif! Anyway, we made it back eventually, walking some, running some. I'd like to try again on Thursday....you in Shell? GO RAGNAR RUNNERS!!! Hope you are holding up better than the two of us.

CVS Sweet Steals this week....

Here is the deal I was able to get at CVS on Monday - I spent $6.85 out of pocket, got back $25 ECB (Extra Care Bucks) SAVED $80.57. I had a rain check for a few of the items, some great coupon match ups and $18 in ECB to put toward the deal. I did not have a coupon for the milk (2.99 is a decent price), nor did I have one for the cereal, this was an emergency purchase for a birthday request and I did not have time to scrounge one up ($1.88 is not terrible for cereal, but there is a $1 off coupon for Cinnamon Toast Crunch + several more good coupons in a new booklet at Publix on A1A RIGHT NOW! The booklet is called "better at home" it is bright yellow)

Hurry if you have not done your CVS shopping yet. I stumbled across a $4 OFF $20 coupon deal good for today only (9/15). Click HERE to get your coupon. At my CVS on A1A they did not have the large sized Milano cookies marked for $1 - they were $3.39, but I asked the associate about the ad, and we both agreed that they were pictured and should be part of the 10/$10 sale. So she scanned all 6 bags in at $1 each and I was able to use my $1 off q for each = FREE COOKIES!!
HERE is the $1 off coupon I used for the Milano cookie deal. (not sure that every store will scan these down for you....they may have the small pack?!) You can print your coupons now. Usually two per computer. If you are lucky and have more than one computer in your home you can print more!!! Like me. The Nivea is free + you can add your coupon -$1 off Nivea Men’s Body Wash, 16.9oz-500ml, RP 7/25, or RP 8/29 (RP stands for Red Plum - which is a newspaper coupon insert) which means you actually earn a dollar!

The Alive vitamins are free. (meaning you pay for them and then you get your money back in ECB - which is money you can use at CVS anytime on anything).

High Octane chews - FREE (kinda scared to try these...but they are FREE so I got them)

Plus if you hurry you can use your $4 off $20 coupon today!!!!

Crank it up..........!!!!

I just added a new song to my playlist.....why don't you crank it up and enjoy? Do you ever hear a song that takes you back? Way back to a fantastic memory, a special time, a celebration??? Sometimes it is good to REMEMBER.

Today was a great day. The kids had school off, we headed out with friends went swimming and had a relaxing day visiting and having fun with each other. This is not the detail that made this day a stand out though. HERE is what made this a great day for me. When we got home, cleaned up, etc. I came in and took a quick glance at my inbox. My sister had written, she said, OK - I did it , I started my blog. I am 3 days in…thought I should tell SOMEONE about it. I am glad she told me. I am in turn telling you, my blog followers, because I think her little blog start is fantastic and well worth sharing. (not just cus she's my sister).

HB is an amazing lady. I was reminiscing today a bit, thinking back on shared memories. I remembered one of my favorite times with you. When the two of us met mom and dad in Missouri, while they were on their mission. That was a blast...and interesting to. On many levels....and so dang FUNNY!! One thing about Heather is that she whistles back wards....she sucks air in, instead of blowing it out. I hadn't known that before the trip. She is the best hugger. Jill....you are a close rival. Her nic name is Hug......or Huggie. She got that when she was very young from always hugging her bear....wasn't it? I want to go on, and on. Mostly I just want to say I am proud of you, so happy you started your blog. I am grateful for you.

Lawson's Party....

Lawson turned 10 years old on September 8th. We had his party a few days ago. It was a pretty fun time with a great group of kids. Here are some of the highlights of the day.
Lawson's only request for the party was that he please be able to have a Sponge Bob pinnate, so he and his friends could beat him up. Our kids have really never even watched SB, we are not that familiar with the guy as far as I knew....but OK, sure, I can do that. Sounded like a theme to me, so I ran with it. When Lawson walked into the house after school to check out the set up he Panicked big time! Mom, what have you done? It looks like I am having a Sponge Bob party!!! It looks like I LIKE Sponge Bob! Mom, you have to take some of this stuff down. Now, I hate to say this, more than you know, but earlier in the day, when I was telling a friend about my excitement of how great everything looked and Lawson was going to be blown away......and so on, she says, didn't you say Lawson hated SB? Yes, he wants to beat him up. Well, but you went ahead and decorated the whole party w/ him anyway? Yes, that is the theme....down with SB. She had her reservations. Luckily she stopped in as Lawson was in panick mode and thinking all his friends were going to think he was a little kid or something.....she was like Lawson it is obvious, they will totally know you are joking! It is so funny! Of course you hate SB.....they are going to get it! He lit up like new money. He was like yeah, it is pretty cool. Phew. After that he embraced the entire experience.
This balloon game was supposed to be a dart game where the balloons were going to be taped to a poster of Sponge Bob and the kids would throw a dart at it one at a time and pop a balloon to win a small prize. No store sells real darts anymore... too dangerous or something! Luckily I ran into Stacey and her mother-in-law at Walmart and she told me about this game of tying the balloon to the kids legs and having them pop them. (She hinted that possibly parents would be more comfortable with this as well). It was a bit of a fiasco in that the balloons kept popping before the game even started.....I was sweating trying to get everyone w/ a balloon, and tie it to the leg, etc. It was meant to be an "out door" game, but our lawn mower is broken and so our grass and subsequent sticker weeds are running rampant, that took out several balloons in seconds, so it got moved in doors. Thank goodness I eventually just ran out of balloons and just had to say go for it.
Homemade game of "Tape the Arm or Leg on Sponge Bob". After cake and presents, the last 20 minutes or so I put on SB the movie. Everyone settled down, with their shoes and decorated bags and happily watched the tube. This is where my favorite part kicks in, a few of the kids parents had picked up and gone, the pressure was off. Some of my own wonderful mom friends came in and hung out at our dining room table and we went to town on guacamole dip, and some to die for sharp cheddar cheese bacon dip w/ bagel chips. I felt very happy. We were laughing and talking and eating. A satisfying ending. PS - Lawson has been dying to watch the SB movie again....he said it was the greatest! Do I detect a change of heart?

Flawed Personality....

I am going to try and make this brief, because it is to lame and ridiculous to dwell on. I wish I didn't have it on my mind at all. Last night after a fairly successful birthday party for Lawson (I will blog that after this mess) We ended up going to our ward's "Talent Night".....AKA..... KARAOKE Night. Including a paid dj. This sends tremors up and down my spine. Because I have a horrible fear of Karaoke.....which puts a tremendous pressure on my psyke causing me to believe I HAVE to do it to get over my fear. This is the FLAW I am referring to. I brought this up to a certain friend.....you know the one. She was like, you are retarded, Karaoke is a joke. It is meant to be a spoof and a funny time. Everyone sounds ridiculous and they know it. IT IS FUNNY!! What is she drunk? The people I know and see do not look like they are taking it lightly at all. My family for instance seem to be Karaoke pros or something. My sister brought a machine to my moms one time and they were all getting up to sing left and right and loving life. It really did look like they were having fun and not feeling mortified and humiliated. So I get pressured into getting up.....mostly by my self, and really because I REALLY want to. It looks so fun and enjoyable.....and for crying out loud, I have a good voice.......don't I?? Well, that was pretty much a nightmare, I started off w/ a big intro by crying....I pulled it together. But come on! My friend says.......well yeah, but that was when you were like 15 or something......um, no it wasn't, it was like two years ago. Anyway, back to last night, right now I should feel like that picture. PROUD, ACCOMPLISHED, SATISFIED, STRONG for climbing that mountain again last night. But I don't, I feel disappointed and embarrassed because after all the panic and build up and maniac stress. IT WAS SO HORRIBLE. Kev got a bit of it recorded on the camera. It is now gone, never to be seen again by anyone, I couldn't even get through the entire song. (Now I know why no one would make eye contact with me after). I sang w/ a friend, she chose the Prince of Egypt song by, of corse, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. There were many red flags to choosing that song, but heck, I had heard it before and it is a beautiful song. Not so much after we were through with it. Well, I need to stop going on, I really want to move on and never do it again. Can I do that? Really move on? I don't think so....I do not want to end on such a sour note. There is no way I am having that as my last memory of my feeble attempts at something so lame as Karaoke. I know what to do next time....it is all about song choice!!!! It feels good to have a plan. Now I just need to conquer my fear of hats!

POST SCRIPT: PLEASE Don't say poor me, I am not sitting here boooohooooing. That is not what this is about, just a little self discovery or something.....but after leaving and having a little more thinking time. THE BOTTOM LINE CAME TO ME. It is not that I gave a poor performance so much that troubles me, it is the fact that I realize with Karaoke that I cannot let loose up there. I am way toooooo tightly wound. I can't let go and be silly and laugh because it is a loss of control for me. I am no therapist, but I think that is the real truth. I am envious of those that can get up and throw their inhibitions to the wind and enjoy the fun of it without reserve. I would love that. I WAANNNT THAT!!! I have a feeling that is not something I can force myself to do...may not be built into my particular personality. I can continue to "work" on it, or I can come to grips with who I am and what I am comfortable with, and realize that it is an option to just say no thank you in the future. The choice is mine. I will enjoy the strengths I have, and acknowledge my weaknesses.

Labor Day Reunion....

Woooohooo! Kev's home! He made it back from a month long trip to Afganistan. He arrived a few hours before the kids got home from school. He was able to sneak up on them in the truck. I was waiting outside for them like I try and do every day, they were racing home, and Kev came up behind them in the noisy diesel truck. They were pretty excited. It is different having the kids at school and Kev home. He took Friday off, so we did some exciting stuff. Went to the mall to buy him some new clothes to travel in. I really thought there was a Banana Republic at the Melbourne Mall, nope. We really don't agree on Style, and he refused to try anything on. So once again we came home empty handed. He will continue to be moan having no suitable cloths and I will continue to offer to go with him to get some. We ended up at Sams Club where we found plenty to agree upon. It was odd to see so many other couples out shopping w/out kids. Really, is that what people do??? Oh yeah, a few other highlights, we took Ethan to breakfast at Mcdees, and then we went to lunch at Arbys....I got the best sandwich. Man it hit the spot.....for the life of me I can't remember what it was called.
We decided to take off for the weekend. We left Sunday, spent one night at the Regal Sun. I don't know how "Regal" it was, but we really enjoyed the tenis courts and the pool area. You can see that we also got sucker punched a few times by the roaming restaurant balloon makers. I definitely have a heart for these folks who work for tips. My sister and brother in law have spent time in the business. Our two encounters were positive ones, EXCEPT for the fact that we never had any cash. We were able to scrounge together $5 bucks for the first one. But then at Denny's we could not get our hands on any green backs. Next thing I know Kevin leaves and does not reappear any time soon. The restaurant is packed, tons of people are waiting for a table, it just got too uncomfortable to keep waiting. So we tell the balloon guy we will be back w/ his tip. (I am sure every one watching....and there were plenty...thought we went a head and stiffed the poor guy). Anyway, finally we see K trudging down the street. Ethan volunteers to go give the balloon man his tip. Great. When he comes out I am getting the run down. How'd it go? What'd he say? How much did you give him? A TWENTY. $20. !!! nooo, you are kidding. nope. But then I say to myself, good for us. If I had a sister that was a balloon sculptor, I would love to hear that people made her day and gave her a great tip! So that was pretty sweet.
Baking in the sun. Kevin's head was already burned from a previous outdoor event, soooo the impressive covering.....(Heaven forbid he apply any sunscreen.)
McCauley walked up to the pool and found herself two best buddies to hang out with. She amazes me. They were inseparable and had a blast.
We spent a few hours at Universal Studios....this is in line at the "Spider Man Ride".