EB has ADDitude... so NOT centsable

Ideas?

2010-08-02T19:34:00.002-04:00

i need ideas for my blog so if you have any ideas send them to my email ebhasadditude@gmail.com

2010-07-31T21:29:00.001-04:00

My grandma or GG as I call her is an amaseing painter and gardner

2010-07-31T13:17:00.000-04:00

Have a good day

2010-07-31T11:10:00.000-04:00

My dads still obsessed with my ipod

Cute

2010-07-30T19:12:00.001-04:00

If you seen pictures of me then you can see how cute I am

hope

2010-07-30T18:13:00.000-04:00

hope you enjoy this blog

comments

2010-07-30T17:42:00.005-04:00

dont be afraid to tell me what you think your opinion is importent to me

2010-07-30T17:33:00.002-04:00

back to school we all know what that means early mornings homework and school projects

cheesy!

2010-07-30T17:32:00.002-04:00

my dad said "wickedly awesome" is cheesy, I say speaking of cheese, how bout a sandwhich?

wickedly awesome

2010-07-30T17:31:00.001-04:00

obsess much?

2010-07-30T17:12:00.000-04:00

my dad LOVES playing Bubbles on my iTouch

daddy's girl

2010-07-30T16:55:00.000-04:00

i love shell hunting

2010-07-30T16:53:00.000-04:00

2010-07-30T16:52:00.000-04:00

save paper

2010-07-30T16:42:00.001-04:00

email and blog!

diet

2010-07-30T16:37:00.004-04:00

I'm thinking about going on a diet. On a diet veggies are a must such as pumpkin pie, mushroom pizza and carrot cake! yummy

oh brother ... literaly

2010-07-30T16:34:00.003-04:00

brothers can`t live with them but mom cant live without them

my fave show

2010-07-30T16:33:00.000-04:00

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XNaD_rphqOk/SSdm5Zw4NjI/AAAAAAAAQWY/rur9IN6c7dw/s400/AdLiH-sunny-with-a-chance-promoPIC.jpg

try to keep up

2010-07-30T16:14:00.003-04:00

blakes bloging so listen up! things are about to get intresting.
ignore typos & spelling this is not school my typing can not keep up with my mind..

Practice

2010-07-30T16:13:00.000-04:00

blah blah why do adults say practice makes perfect??? blah blah

2010-07-30T16:12:00.002-04:00

There is a new Dickey in town and she has even more ADDitude!!

Florida Was Fun

2009-03-17T18:45:00.002-04:00

2009-03-15T20:50:00.002-04:00

I am going to rework the blog and begin posting again. I doubt I will post shopping deals (I recomend my friend Jodi at NeverPayRetailAgain for that!) as I simply do not have the time but I will be posting Life With The Dickeys including cute photos of my kiddos on our FL vacation. So hold on....just a little longer.

Today's Headlines...

2009-02-04T15:31:00.001-05:00

Super Cool Website!!!

I love this cartoon!

2009-02-01T19:17:00.000-05:00

What really happened on the Hudson

2009-01-20T11:17:00.003-05:00

On January 20th, 2009 the country will be witness to a historic event of epicproportions. The United States of America will be swearing in the firstAfrican-American President ever!

YES... I am alive

2009-01-18T10:34:00.005-05:00

The Dickey's are alive and doing well. We survived the Holidays (photos below!) and a rocky BTSchool week. Our new puppy "Ridley" the Doodle Dickey is adjusting well to our chaotic home. Everyone is healthy and 2 of our 3 scheduled IEPs are behind us (and were successful!).

My coupon binder is an absolute MESS, CVS is worried about how many deals I have missed out on and my menu planning has been sketchy at best but starting today I hope to get it all cranked up again as soon we we finish our award winning Pinewood Derby car :-) wish us luck!

Thank you for all of the emails! I am amazed how many people still check-in with me and email me HOT Deals. I love a good deal. I hit the Target 75% Christmas as well as the Target 75% Toy Sale (which is still underway as some is still 30-50%, I know I am looking at some camping gear if it makes it to 75%). So if you are reading this send me your HOT Deals. I may not get them posted but if I don't I will forward them to Jodi at NeverPayRetail she is working on growing her Blog to the best on the web!

PS, If you or yours are Gluten Free - PLEASE EMAIL ME! as many of you know I have considered this for a LONG time but it is so overwhelming to me. I am looking for good Gluten Free products to try before we dive right in. I specifically need help with Pasta, Pizza Dough, Soy Sauce and Breakfast Bars and/or Cereal. Thanks!

2008-12-06T21:29:00.000-05:00

I can not believe almost a month has passed since I have posted. WOW. Thank you all for the emails checking on me. Me and Mine are doing fine :-) or rather all is as all always is I just got out of the habit of blogging (long before my last post)- typical of my all or nothing ADD personality.

I apologize for those of you that were loyal followers I do hope to pick it back up again after the holidays, please check back then.

Merry Christmas!

Amy

2008-11-01T18:47:00.000-04:00

We had a very happy holiday. Lots of festive fun food and good times.

LilC as himself Super Cooper
EB the GoGo Girl
BigC as Mario from his fave video game!
Trick-Or-Treat
Time to trade candy before Mom takes it all

2008-10-29T16:45:00.000-04:00

Don't toss those pumpkin seeds!

Toast or roast them in your oven (I hear there are even recipes for the microwave and skillet!).

They can can be salted or spiced to suit your palate. Hmmm salted butter or cinnamon sugar! Even my kids like them!

What a great source of fiber.

Have a pumpkin recipe? Do share!

Hmmmm

2008-10-28T21:36:00.000-04:00

Obama is outperforming any Democrat back to Jimmy Carter among white voters, getting 45 percent to McCain's 52 percent. But in the South, it is a very different story. Obama fares worse among Southern whites than any Democrat since George McGovern in 1972.
Whites in the East and West tilt narrowly toward Obama (he's up 8 and 7 points, respectively), and the two run about evenly among those in the Midwest. By contrast, Southern whites break more than 2 to 1 for McCain, 65 percent to 32 percent.

2008-10-25T09:38:00.000-04:00

Jim Wallis and the 2008 Elections

I think the principles put forth by Jim Wallis on the 2008 elections are well worth considering. Here is what he has to say:

“I am in no position to tell anyone what is ‘non-negotiable,’ and neither is any bishop or megachurch pastor, but let me tell you the ‘faith priorities’ and values I will be voting on this year:“1. With more than 2,000 verses in the Bible about how we treat the poor and oppressed, I will examine the record, plans, policies, and promises made by the candidates on what they will do to overcome the scandal of extreme global poverty and the shame of such unnecessary domestic poverty in the richest nation in the world. Such a central theme of the Bible simply cannot be ignored at election time, as too many Christians have done for years. And any solution to the economic crisis that simply bails out the rich, and even the middle class, but ignores those at the bottom should simply be unacceptable to people of faith.“2. From the biblical prophets to Jesus, there is, at least, a biblical presumption against war and the hope of beating our swords into instruments of peace. So I will choose the candidates who will be least likely to lead us into more disastrous wars and find better ways to resolve the inevitable conflicts in the world and make us all safer. I will choose the candidates who seem to best understand that our security depends upon other people’s security (everyone having "their own vine and fig tree, so no one can make them afraid," as the prophets say) more than upon how high we can build walls or a stockpile of weapons. Christians should never expect a pacifist president, but we can insist on one who views military force only as a very last resort, when all other diplomatic and economic measures have failed, and never as a preferred or habitual response to conflict. “3. ‘Choosing life’ is a constant biblical theme, so I will choose candidates who have the most consistent ethic of life, addressing all the threats to human life and dignity that we face — not just one. Thirty-thousand children dying globally each day of preventable hunger and disease is a life issue. The genocide in Darfur is a life issue. Health care is a life issue. War is a life issue. The death penalty is a life issue. And on abortion, I will choose candidates who have the best chance to pursue the practical and proven policies which could dramatically reduce the number of abortions in America and therefore save precious unborn lives, rather than those who simply repeat the polarized legal debates and ‘pro-choice’ and ‘pro-life’ mantras from either side.“4. God’s fragile creation is clearly under assault, and I will choose the candidates who will likely be most faithful in our care of the environment. In particular, I will choose the candidates who will most clearly take on the growing threat of climate change, and who have the strongest commitment to the conversion of our economy and way of life to a cleaner, safer, and more renewable energy future. And that choice could accomplish other key moral priorities like the redemption of a dangerous foreign policy built on Middle East oil dependence, and the great prospects of job creation and economic renewal from a new ‘green’ economy built on more spiritual values of conservation, stewardship, sustainability, respect, responsibility, co-dependence, modesty, and even humility.“5. Every human being is made in the image of God, so I will choose the candidates who are most likely to protect human rights and human dignity. Sexual and economic slavery is on the rise around the world, and an end to human trafficking must become a top priority. As many religious leaders have now said, torture is completely morally unacceptable, under any circumstances, and I will choose the candidates who are most committed to reversing American policy on the treatment of prisoners. And I will choose the candidates who understand that the immigration system is totally broken and needs comprehensive reform, but must be changed in ways that are compassionate, fair, just, and consistent with the biblical command to ‘welcome the stranger.’“6. Healthy families are the foundation of our community life, and nothing is more important than how we are raising up the next generation. As the father of two young boys, I am deeply concerned about the values our leaders model in the midst of the cultural degeneracy assaulting our children. Which candidates will best exemplify and articulate strong family values, using the White House and other offices as bully pulpits to speak of sexual restraint and integrity, marital fidelity, strong parenting, and putting family values over economic values? And I will choose the candidates who promise to really deal with the enormous economic and cultural pressures that have made parenting such a ‘countercultural activity’ in America today, rather than those who merely scapegoat gay people for the serious problems of heterosexual family breakdown.”

Mary Hunt is a WISE Woman!

2008-10-22T18:02:00.000-04:00

Dealing With the Urge to Splurge

When they handed out compulsive tendencies, I ended up with more thanthe standard allotment. I can sit down to watch the evening news andend up owning a pasta machine. I can stop by the mall to look aroundand come out with three dresses I'll never wear, a gift I'll nevergive and several things for the garden. I see what I like and WHAM! Ithink I need it, I'm entitled to it, and pity the poor soul who triesto stop me from having it.While my compulsive tendencies will forever be part of who I am,thankfully, I have found ways to tame them.
PARENT YOURSELF. When tempted to give in to my demands to have what Iwant and have it right now, I ask myself: Would I accept from mychildren the behavior I'm about to accept from myself? Seeing mybehavior as that of a spoiled bratty kid with an intimidated parentwrapped around her little finger usually stops me dead in my tracks.
AVOID "SLIPPERY" PLACES. Alcoholics Anonymous defines a slippery placeas any situation that will provide a tempting opportunity to drink. Myslippery places are stores, television shopping channels, slickadvertisements and mail order catalogs. If I don't frequent them, I'mnot tempted.When I cannot avoid a trip to the store, I plan my route right down towhere I'll park and which entrance I'll use so I can get in and outbefore I have the opportunity to slip. I've also reprogrammed the TVso it doesn't stop at shopping channels.
MAKE SPENDING DIFFICULT. Think of all the ways our culture makesspending money so convenient: checkbooks, credit cards, debit cards,deferred payment, equity lines of credit, electronic transfers and onit goes. I choose to take the convenience out of spending. I carryenough cash to meet my needs for the day. Sometimes it's a pain, but Ido avoid many opportunities to act compulsively.
TALK TO YOURSELF. When confronted with a tempting purchase, self-talk is my lifesaver:If this weren't on sale would you still buy it? If the answer is no, Ipass. Don't you already have something that will do just as well? Iusually do. You don't have to buy this just to prove you can; no one really cares. Reality check. Go home and think about it for 24 hours.I rarely return.
DISCOVER THE CAUSE. I'm learning that many of my compulsive tendencies find their roots in my need for approval. I've also had to admit that spending money is a mood-changer, even an anti-depressant. It was not easy to admit that spending was a mask I wore to hide deeper and more serious issues. By reading good books, talking about compulsive behavior and receiving help from wise counselors, I've discovered why I do the things I do.I can't change who I am, but I've learned how to change the way Irespond. That has made all the difference.

Ok I could crack that I have enough to parent and that I already talk to myself but there is no denying that Mrs Hunt has it going on- I spend sooooooooooooo much less when I avoid shopping (except for that pesky internet children's clothing habit I had to break LOL)

Super Cooper!

2008-10-15T17:46:00.000-04:00

Look what I found. I looked up KDs website to get her contact info for my aunt and saw she is now blogging. When I clicked her blog I found my lil man Super Cooper! Check it out! and if you are looking to have pics made... KD rocks!

2008-10-03T14:53:00.000-04:00

My kids love Halloween as much as I love Thanksgiving. They have been all over me to get their costumes... C debated a few choices but settled on Mario if Cooper will not dress up with him and Luigi if he will. B has not decided but is considering Dorthy, Hippie, Cleopatra a Carolina Panther and Princess Peach. LilC wants to be "Super Cooper"- anyone got an idea how to make that? I could not get him to go for my spaghetti and meatballs suggestion- sigh. We are going to go browse a local Halloween store today and see if anything inspires us. According to Ebay resells he will NOT be SuperWhy- if I had the foresight to buy it I would resell it- wow some people have more money than they know what to do with (either that or they are part of the bailout eh?)
Anyway I was googling some cute Eyeball Cupcakes I found in Parent & Child today (no luck so I can't share it unless I make them ... waaah) when I found some fun things for us to make and eat this month. Here are a few from Family Fun:

Lunch Box Treats...
Cheese Finger Foods
Edible Eyeballs
Witch's Brooms
Salty Bones
Spider Pretzels
BP& Jackolantern

More Ideas...
Apple Bites
Crystal Ball
More Edible Eyeballs
Creepy Peepers
Cheesy Corns
Pizza Mummies
Monster Paws

Be sure to post any that you make or find. I hope to make a few a week- why? for the fun of it!

2008-10-02T19:36:00.000-04:00

Are you watching tonight's debate? I can't wait!

Dedication

2008-09-18T20:07:00.000-04:00

Never question that I am a dedicated person. I was up and out before 7am today... why? to coupon shop before my J O B :-)

I hit the friendly WC-HT and rushed @ grabbing a few "must haves". I unloaded them on Mr J and rushed to work. Where Mrs Jennifer surprised me with Starbucks. (Does she know how to make me happy or what?)

After work I greeted the kidlets at the bus stop, did snacks and homework, planned a few more coupon runs and took lil C to a bday party at Space Kidetts. (I was previously NOT a fan, but it was a nice party. Ideal/Safe set up for a child under 5).

On our way home we ran in Siskey-HT for more goodies. I got home after 7pm (yes I skipped a night of MPM)

That 12+hrs flew by... but it was productive. I am now $22OOP (with a savings of 87%) and over half way done shopping triples. (Sorry no visual today).

Unfortunately when I got home my house was WILD with Wii and lil C quickly went from sleepy to WIRED but it is 8:15 now and all are in bed... so not too terrible now I need to go catch my house up....

Oh and for once I am super thankful that C wears glasses. He was playing with a neighbor and got a scratch on his nose (metal pipe!) upon further inspection it also scratched his glasses. ChaChing that is one copay I will gladly pay as it sure beats a copay for a scratched eye, eh? Thank you God! Now I know I need to go ahead and buy a new backup pair before JCP sale ends next week.

Oh POOPIE

2008-09-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

Take a moment to read Nesting Place's P.O.O.P.I.E Party! post. Too funny (and true).
Man I do love her new and improved wreath... wish the inspiration it makes me feel outweigh the stress. Ah, oh well. GG how about you make me a wreath like that? I am a good daughter! I will even trade you some free Kashi. Or perhaps one of you readers is crafty and has nothing better to do that make my home Boooteeful ... I will blog brag all about it, I promise!

Life with me...

2008-09-14T15:52:00.001-04:00

As you can tell from the lack of posts- things have been BiZe here. School is back in. So far so good. All 3 kids like their teachers (C loves his and we can tell why!) and they seem to holding their own. Cooper has given Mrs Janice a run for her money! (Playing with water in bathroom, telling a child he ruined his day, spilling his lunch everywhere, pinching another child...sigh... I better start saving up for her a nice Christmas present LOL).

I am working M-Th 8:30-2 (my co-worker is a slave driver LOL jk Jennifer). Really work is going pretty good- 4 days is a LOT and I was worried about how behind I would get but lets face it my house is never clean and I am too cheap to give up my frugal ways the only thing suffering is this blog- oops) Plus the kids are precious and they love me. I am their fave teacher ever (right Jennifer? LOL) C has started football (2x week) plus we have Scouts and will be adding in drama and art soon. We had pedi appts and got EBs PsychEd retsults and both C and lilC had/have bday parties to attend and there was a church consignment sale (I got to preshop thanks to Shelia, thanks again! - and I am excited there 2 more this week!) and we had Panthers box tickets (due to sitter issues I skipped it. Mr J. took a coworker to help him hobnob) and of course couponing.

Dang, why am I always behind? You would not believe my couponing mess right now. On the positive side though I went to HT Thrs night (I needed the ad since we do not get the Wed paper. I normally plan/post of my evic but hte 10 boxtops was over my head. I am a visual person). Then I returned Friday morning and did 4 more transactions (w/ Cooper) and on Saturday afternoon I did 2 more. (Planned on more but I did not make it back up there sans-kids). Then today I did 2 more (w/ all 3 kids). My total OOP is now @ $44 for almost $500 in groceries. If I can keep my kidlets out of the pantry (not looking good) we will be stocked for a while and that is not including next week's triple coupons! WooHoo! (I so need to be filing instead of blogging but I am already down from 200 daily readers to 40 so I thought I would check in with you loyal few 1st).

Oh and did I mention I did the Target deal 2x and made $6? I also hit the CVS on Thrs night and Walgreens on Sat. My Wags suggestions are on the comments part of this post. It is not too late for any of those deals but the Robo. so go get yourself so mouthwash and visine! As for CVS I am so hoping they stop their Friday ad "trial" I cant seem to get the ad outlined and to you in a timely manner. I know this week I will buy milk there and use the FL Nabiscio cookie coupons and I will of course do the Excedrin but I cant remember what else. I will try to post this week's deals later tonight.
For those of you not sure what I am talking about grocery wise see my HT post. All 4 of the Catalina deals (GGVeggies, PSPocorn, NVGranolaBars and BCFruitSnacks) stack on top of the $4 off 10. Plus you can get Pillsbury fridge products, OEPaso, BC Baking products (with Lowes coupon) and more. The Catalina and Lowes coupons work in to triples but auto $4 eands on Tuesday. If you do not coupon but want a deal I would opt for 5 GG Veggies and 5 PSPopcorn. You will pay $8.2x+ tax and get $6.50 OYNO not bad for $1.75OOP with NO coupons! Another good deal is if you have the Lowes ad do 6 BC Fruit Chews and 4 BC Brownies or Muffins. You will pay $10ish and get back $3 or $3.50 (my brain is tried). So is you do both for @ $9 you can get 20 items! Not bad for you non-couponers!
Well thats all folks. I gotta go put our roast in and you need to go to the store! (Don't forget your rainchecks!)

HEELARIOUS or OVER THE TOP?

2008-09-13T18:18:00.002-04:00

Have you seen these in stores or lil tooties in your neighborhood?

What do you think???

7 Years

2008-09-11T19:01:00.000-04:00

7 years. Do you remember where you were?

2008-09-11T08:10:00.000-04:00

2008-09-08T19:54:00.000-04:00

I received these updates today and I want to post it here, above all else I believe in the truth! so take this kind of like my own "retraction"/correction..

"Palin did not cut funding for special needs education in Alaska by 62 percent. She didn’t cut it at all. In fact, she tripled per-pupil funding over just three years."

and while I did not post this, here is another worth noting:

"She did not demand that books be banned from the Wasilla library. Some of the books on a widely circulated list were not even in print at the time. The librarian has said Palin asked a "What if?" question, but the librarian continued in her job through most of Palin's first term."

Harry Potter has a Learning Disability....

2008-09-06T10:31:00.000-04:00

....sort of. Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who plays Harry Potter, has confirmed that he has dyspraxia. Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects motor development. According to NCLD People with dyspraxia have difficulty planning and completing intended fine motor tasks. It is estimated that as many as 6% of all children show some signs of dyspraxia (2 of my 3 kids have it)., and in the general population, about 70% of those affected by dyspraxia are male. Dyspraxia can affect different areas of functioning, varying from simple motor tasks such as waving goodbye to more complex tasks like brushing teeth.
What a positive role model for other children who have the same condition. They could easily look at Daniel's mega success and find encouragement and hope. They could see that he overcame his disorder and succeeded in spite of it. Thanks for sharing and acknowledging your dyspraxia, Daniel. You may very well become a true hero to our LD children!
To learn more about dyspraxia visit NCLD.org. You can alo read the article pertaining to Daniel's admission on Britain's Daily Mail website.
Shared by Shane http://adhdguide.blogspot.com/2008/09/harry-potter-has-learning-disability.html

2008-09-04T15:22:00.001-04:00

Palin's speech gets RAVE REVIEWS! And there is no denying that anyone that watched saw that she is beautiful, intelligent and well spoken. There were a few pesky problems with facts but that seems to be a common thread. That said I thought I would post/clarify a few that stood out to me.

Palin: "To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House."
I am guessing Sarah Palin must have changed her mind on this one recently? As she actually slashed funding for schools for special needs kids by 62%. Budgets: 2007, 2008, 2009.

Palin: "I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves."
Congress' requirement that funds be earmarked for "the bridge" were removed before Sarah Palin became governor. She was therefore in no position to tell Congress anything about the bridge. However, during her campaign, she said she supported funding for "the bridge". "Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?- Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." - Anchorage Dialy News.
By the way she later accepted the, no longer earmarked, money and used it for other infrastructure projects.

Palin: "The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes ... raise payroll taxes ... raise investment income taxes ... raise the death tax ... raise business taxes ... and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars. My sister Heather and her husband have just built a service station that's now opened for business - like millions of others who run small businesses. How are they going to be any better off if taxes go up?"
How much does Heather and her husband make? if they bring home less than $250,000, their taxes will not go up. In fact most Americans will pay less in taxes under Obama's plan than under McCain's.

Palin: "But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate."
Here you can read a rundown of Obama's accomplishments in the Senate. They include the Lugar-Obama bill and an ethics reform package that the Washington Post called "the strongest ethics legislation to emerge from Congress yet." Oh and like being a community organizer I was not not aware that writing memoirs was something to be ashamed of. Hum. Either way, Obama has written only one "memoir" it is McCain that has written a minimum of two.

Palin: "America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it."
Obama plans to develop a lot more energy than McCain does. Plus, Obama hasn't skipped the last eight votes on renewable energy.

The Dickey's Wish YOU a Happy Labor Day Holiday!

2008-08-31T17:23:00.000-04:00

I made the caricature at VistaPrint. Cute huh?

It is one of the many FREE items they have!

It is not too late for a Blue Bunny Deal!

2008-08-29T13:38:00.000-04:00

Don't Forget your FREE CHICKEN

2008-08-27T07:21:00.001-04:00

I know I already posted about the ...

but if you are like me that sounded so far away you did not add it to your calender YET

so here is another reminder. Go get your calender and pencil in a lunch with friends!

See you there!

Our 1st Day Back

2008-08-25T20:11:00.000-04:00

C and EB started 2nd grade today. They had a good morning, school day and afternoon! They LOVE their teachers. WooHoo - I have never heard that from both kids in the same year!!
Almost as Big if not Bigger news is that I went back to school today - preschool that is. I am going to be an assistant teacher at Bethany Academy in the 2y class. I will be working with my friend Jennifer. I still need a nickname for her. She is great! Speaking of ... all you moms out there need to take a moment to watch this video she sent me. A real tear jerker that speaks volumes to what it means to be a mom. There is no job more important!

New Specs and Dos..... we are ready for school!

2008-08-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

If you coupon, this is worth the read!

2008-08-18T18:17:00.001-04:00

Ryan is married to a couponaholic... and his guest post on Frugal in Virgina

is VERY funny - at least to those that can relate...

I know it will make Mr J, my dear hubby, chuckle check it out!

Can you relate?

2008-08-15T20:24:00.005-04:00

Weehhh what a week!

This week I had a job interview for a preschool job (I accepted! I will be assisting my friend Jennifer who will now be known as Boss Lady - till I think of something better) we had one Psychologist appt, one Pedi appt, one OBGYN appt, Football twice (including one post game pizza party), a hospital visit with Wonderful Wendy and "moms taxi" ran six camp carpools and drove Carson half way to SC to spend the weekend with our family

Somehow I did manage to get some Starbucks, Sushi and Shopping in (ok more than "some" shopping ) ... Rack Room, Karousel Kids (awesome finds!), Old Navy, Kohls, Justice, Target, Lane Bryant (40% off plus 2xRWD) good thing the mall is not near me huh? and of course I shopped Walgreens and CVS (do I ever miss CVS?) I don't know my total OOP for the week (who wants to know that when money is flying in every direction BUT yours! LOL) but I saved a lot (a concept that Mr J still does not get...sometimes it take $ to save $) in fact I made $$ at CVS where I purchased 2 Children's Advil, 1 Fleet Pedia-lax, 4 bags of Dove Dark Chocolates, 10 Gold Peak Teas and 3 12pk Coke. (I used $21.28 in MQ ($8 of it from my coupons.com sidebar!), (3) $2 CVS coupons and $1 CVS crt) My total profit after ECB is right at $2. WooHoo!

So... I apologize that I have not blogged much... life has been one big blur but I hope to resume my weekly grocery tips, monthly walmart with printables and Wednesday's world wide web soon... and I am still working on setting up subscriptions and Mr Linky (we all know all inattentive and non-tech savvy I am!) as well.

As always if you have any hot deals/tips please email me!

HiHoHiHo its off to school we go!

2008-08-13T21:25:00.000-04:00

As you prepare for BTS don't forget to save your box tops and milk caps and re-link your loyalty cards to your school of choice. If you don't have a school of choice - I don't mind if you link to my kidlets school likewise if you don't collect box tops the preschool I am going to be working at (yes you read that right) would love to have yours!

Speaking of box tops... I noticed yesterday while shopping there are lots of new box top products and several with double and triple box top credit! Read more here.

Life Takes Visa...

2008-08-12T22:10:00.000-04:00

U.S. credit-card debt has increased over 300% since 1990, estimated at almost $1 trillion, a record high. Most Americans carry four or more credit cards in their wallet and use them more than they should.
If today's looming debt crisis is not enough of a problem for the masses the limited regulation of the credit-card industry is rapidly pushing it over the edge for many Americans. Nationwide consumers are being burned by unfair and excessive fees, rapidly increasingly interest rates, and incomprehensible agreements that companies revise at will.
In 2007 credit-card companies collected $18.1 billion in penalty fees that accounted for almost half of the industry's profits.
Credit-card companies insist that with over 6000 card issuers consumers can shop around to avoid fees and penalties but consumer advocates maintain that companies often add new fees and change policies after you sign up and grandly inform you in impossible-to-understand, tiny print at the bottom of your statement.
If you use credit cards be CENTSable.
1) Make sure you're aware of changes in rates, rules and due dates. They can abruptly change from month to month.
2) Inform yourself on your cards policies to avoid extra charges and penalties including fees for balance transfers, cash advances, foreign currency conversion, near/over limit penatlies, paying off your balance by phone, and more.
3) If you decide/need to shop for a new card check your local bank and credit union and be leery of promotional introductory rates. They are usually just come-ons for balance transfers and if you make future purchases they will often accumulate at a higher rate and the payments you make will automatically apply to the lower interest transfer so the higher interest debt keeps building/compounding.
Meanwhile there is hope. Several bills now making their way through Congress are aimed at curbing deceptive card practices - write your congressman! until then, think twice before you whip out a card.

2008-08-07T14:46:00.001-04:00

Are you familiar with ...
They are the nation's first cash back program for anyone who gives, gets or needs care. Their motto is "Caring for a loved one isn't easy... Saving on things they need is."

They offer rebates on a large assortment of items from Aspirin to Skincare, Vitamins, Pull-ups and more! The best part it does not matter what store you shop at!

Read their Cash Back Form for more detailed information!

Wonderful Wendy

2008-07-31T21:21:00.000-04:00

If you live in the Charlotte area (specifically Union County) and like to landscape you will be thrilled that Wonderful Wendy's latest plant finds are $5 Butterfly Bushes and Elephant Ears. They are perennial and Bue-tea-full and at $5 such a DEAL! If you are interested, you can leave me your email/contact in the comment section or email me off blog for her contact info.

Conserve Oil and Save The Enviroment!

2008-07-30T15:01:00.002-04:00

Quite simply we use too much plastic but today I am blogging about plastic bags. According to the EPA between 500 Billion and a Trillion plastic bags are consumed every year and less than 1% of plastic bags are recycled (at a cost of 125% of their retail worth).

Did you know that the US dumps millions of pounds of plastic in the ocean every year? Plastic bags alone account for 10% of the debris that washes up on our coastline hurts our scenery, contaminates our food sources, pollutes our soil and kills our wildlife? I know many of you simply do not buy in to the plastic problems and dozens of scientist could show you how it degrades and if they convinced you, your response would simply be how can little ole me help?

Well for a minimal cost (@$.75-$2 per bag) you can buy or make reusable shopping bags. I use Harris Teeter and Trader Joe bags that cost less than $1. This very small investment will save an average of over 26 plastic bags a month. That is over 300 bags a year. If 1/10 of the people that have read my blog this year did this simple thing then we would consume 960,000 less bags this year.

Or look at it like this... minimizing plastic use by using cloth bags would significantly reduce our dependence on the foreign oil. Yes OIL is used to make plastic. Studies estimate that China will conserve over 37,000,000 barrels of oil each year due to their ban on plastic bags.

So next time you are having a discussion about gas prices or the enviroment tell your friends how you do your part and use reuseable bags!

Want to make your own?
If you sew check out this blog for instructions on how to make reusable shopping bags or this one on how to recycle your old things into reusable bags

Or perhaps you dont sew but you do crochet? (I wish!!this is my new FAVE) then you can make the ULTIMATE reusable shopping bag (seen at left) and save the landfills and ocean from your recent shopping faux paus check this out I think I NEED to do my part and buy one what do you think?

HELP!

2008-07-29T14:03:00.001-04:00

I had my lil man's photo made by an AWESOME photographer (talented, patient, loving, artistic... the full package!) and the proofs are in. Actually it is a slide show and it is only up for a limited time.

This is where the hard part comes in... I have to choose which pics. ACK! I want 22+ of them (gulp) to make it more budget friendly I need to narrow it down to @ 12... and pick 3 for a story board.

Are you interested in giving me your opinion? If so, after you enter the site click thru the client button and use password cooper then post your fave 3 in the comment section.

And if you live near Concord NC (Charlotte area) and are interested in setting up an on location shoot you can email Kathleen thru the site or HERE. Be sure to tell her Amy referred you - you will NOT be disapointed!

2008-07-28T09:15:00.006-04:00

Yeah its Monday! Time to share my attempt at an organized life "Menu Plan Monday"
For those of you that have been following this thread you will be happy to know that last week I served all of my breakfast and lunches and 5 of my dinners! (Now we are getting somewhere!) In fact the only reason I skipped one of the meals is while doing triples I scored a $1 pound of Backfin Crab meat (yes $1 after coupons) so I had to whip up some Crab Cakes and Aioli... I mean who could pass that up right? So this week I only have one carry over meal... the pork loin - yummO!
That said this is still a short week as we will be out of town this weekend for the commissioning of my Aunt's mission trip and my birthday lunch at Memas. Mmmmmmm.

So wait no longer... this weeks "Plan" is:

Breakfast
Choice of Egg in a Hole, Cereal & Bacon, Oatmeal and Fruit, Yogurt and Toast, Biscuits and Homemade Gravy

Monday
L Chef Boyardee and/or Smoothies
D Beef Back Ribs, Leftover Broccoli Slaw and Creamed Corn

Tuesday
L Cool Zuchinni Pizza
D Pepercorn Pork Loin, Oven Fried Squash, Mashed Potatoes

Wednesday
L Grill Cheese and Smoothies
Ladies Night Out (Have I been blessed with a lot of these lately?)
D Mr. J will serve: California Pizza Kitchen & Garden Salad

Thursday
L BLTs or Corn Dogs
D Smoked Sausage, Dirty Onion Rice and Sliced Garden Tomatoes

Friday
L Mac&Cheese or Leftovers and Fruit

Snacks
Choice of 100 Calorie Muffins, Crunch&Munch, Cereal Bars, Yogurt

Desserts
Leftover Blueberry Cheesecake, Luigis Italian Ice and Klondike Bars.

So, be honest... do you feel Inspired? I feel hungry - LOL. If you Menu Plan or have a tip fo rme I would LOVE for you to share it. Leave me a comment. In the mean time be sure to check on the Link Love at OrgJunkie... those ladies have AMAZING Menu Plans!

H O T

2008-07-26T12:18:00.001-04:00

Looks like I am not the only one that finds a helpful hubby H O T!
Does your man help you?
Mine mopped the hardwood floors today. Yeah Mr J!

Wednesday's World Wide Web from my eyes...

2008-07-23T09:16:00.001-04:00

This is where I would normally spend my time telling you about some awesome articles and blogs that I have recently read... but computer problems have narrowed my view...to two sites one of which you do not want to visit!

Dell Technical Support

Harris Teeter's Weekly Ad (for TRIPLE COUPONS!)I miss my evic email. If there is a HOT hidden deal please email me!

So if you have the time drop me a comment on your fave blog post of late...

ps... if you live near me and you or your hubby can work on computers to salvage photos/files before we reload windows then please contact me!

Uh Oh!

2008-07-22T13:50:00.000-04:00

My laptop is locked up. I have tried all I know how... and with Triple Coupons looming a mess of coupons everywhere and 3 kids bouncing of the wall... I don't feel up to a phone call to Dell (in India) so it is down at least until Mr J gets home (hopefully no longer).

In the mean time I can not access my mail/emails. ACK I told you I am not a techie.
(I still cant figure our the whole Button/Subscription and Mr Linky thing!)
So bare with me :-)

Country Music Baby!

2008-07-19T19:18:00.005-04:00

Last night Mr J and I had the distinct privilege of spending a child free night on the town in STYLE- country style that is! My great friend Susan and her super cool hubby Erik took us to our 1st country music concert! We arrived in a Limo, sat 3rd row and had a blast! All that was missing was the boots and buckles - maybe next time :-)
For those of you that are country fans the opening acts were Julianna Hough, Chuck Wicks (he is hot!) and Jewel and the headliner was Brad Paisley (who is an amazing guitarist). I am still not a "country fan" but the concert was quite entertaining and a good time was had by all.
Thanks Susan and Erik! I look forward to returning the favor some day.

My Thrifty Thursday HT Finds!

2008-07-18T12:49:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I stopped in HT for cash to pay the sitters (not very thrifty but needed!)and scored this extra large beach bag (the photo does not do the size justice), pitcher and 6 glasses for under $15 (75% off).
Seeing as a new beach bag was on my list and new glasses were on dh this was a Thrifty purchase and not an impulse purchase - right??? and since I am uploading pics anyway here is a photo of yesterday's garden haul (heehee) and the awesome forgotten fave bracelet that Mr J found and had restrung for my anniversary!

Where The Money Goes

2008-07-18T12:08:00.001-04:00

A great $ video for kids!

Stale Chips? No problem!

2008-07-17T12:33:00.001-04:00

If you go to serve your fave tortillas and find they are slightly stale - no problem! Make a single layer of chips on a paper plate (paper towel will work) and microwave for 30 seconds. Wammo! Warm, Crispy Chips!

Side note... if you think I have reached a new low blogging on moldy cheese and stale chips in the same week - I hear ya! someone email me some new material :-)

Letter From A Child

2008-07-17T11:25:00.001-04:00

If you or your child have ADHD this is a great read! (Click on the letter to enlarge).

For more great insight and information from Kirk check his website Celebrate Calm.

Time For Campaignin'

2008-07-16T21:04:00.000-04:00

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Wednesday's World Wide Web from my eyes...

2008-07-16T09:05:00.004-04:00

Lets check a few out... and PLEASE add your favorite post from the last 2 weeks!

Way More 4 Way Less is Calling all Toothbrushes - a great chance for YOU to give back!

Wise Bread writes about Why He Turns Down Free Money

The Simple Dollar has 10 Tips for making budgets successful

LoveLoud has God's reply the the Buffalo Nickel auction - so cool!

NestingPlace proves once again that it does not have to be perfect to be beautiful

Check out the ThePioneerWoman's recipes, Mmmmmmm, now that is inspiring!

Saving for our families dreams NEEDS YOUR HELP! Plus she is doing a Coupon Giveaway

Being Frugal questions... Are You Under the Influence?

Spam...alama...dingdong

2008-07-15T19:35:00.001-04:00

I have pets on the brain today. I mean I am REALLY wanting a puppy (or two). Crazy I know but I can't seem to shake it. To make matters worse on our way to swim at Trish's today we passed a lady selling a litter of CockerSpaniels puppies. Awe, so cute!
So when I saw this SPAM about a pet contest, I had to check it out... and share (who likes spam?) Ebates and SnapFish have joined together for a Cutest Pet Photo Contest! The winners with the top three photos will win Snapfish gift cards for $300, $200 and $100! I voted for the Basset! Awe... now here is the spam -
If you are not familiar with Ebates and/or Snapfish both are running "new customer" promotions.
Ebates will give you $5 for signing up in addition to their customary 1-25% rebates. Plus for every friend you refer they will give them $5 and you an additional $5.
Snapfish is offering 50 free prints to all new customers and 2 prints for returning customers. This is in addition to their current coupon code EBATES10OFF which will get you $10 off any $25 order... and of course place your order thru Ebates for an additional 10% in savings!

Moldy Cheese - Is it safe to eat?

2008-07-15T12:52:00.003-04:00

I found a sweet package of Wisconsin Cheddar in the back of my unorganized fridge today. The expiration date was July 5th and mold was beginning to grow. I tossed it but decided to google moldy cheese and see if saving it would have been safe... this is what I found.

The answer depends on the type of cheese. Most molds are harmless. Molds are even used to make some kinds of cheese, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, brie and Camembert. These molds are safe to eat.

But mold on cheese that's not part of the manufacturing process can also harbor harmful bacteria. With hard and semisoft cheese, you can cut away the moldy part and eat the rest of the cheese. But soft cheeses should be discarded.

Examples:
Hard:
Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, Romano, Gruyere Safe to eat if the mold is removed. Cut off at least one inch around and below the mold spot. Keep the knife out of the mold itself so that it doesn't cross-contaminate other parts of the cheese. Cover the cheese in fresh wrap.
Semisoft:
American, Asiago, baby Swiss, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Muenster, Gorgonzola Safe to eat if the mold is removed. Cut off at least one inch around and below the mold spot. Keep the knife out of the mold itself so that it doesn't cross-contaminate other parts of the cheese. Cover the cheese in fresh wrap.
Soft:
Brie, blue cheese, Camembert, cottage cheese, Neufchatel, feta, ricotta, shredded and sliced cheeses Discard the cheese.

To prevent mold growth on cheese always keep your cheese covered and refrigerated!
(never allowing it to sit at room temperature for longer than two hours) and try to follow the manufacturers expiration date.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2006

2008-07-11T10:29:00.000-04:00

Is your child quirky?
Does he bursts into song in the middle of Target shopping (or dinner at Uncle Bubbas) Does he leap or better yet somersault from room to room instead of walk? Does she weave weeds into a necklace? Do they turn your back yard into a "bug scout" meeting and pick your hand grown veggies to feed yard bugs? Do they collect every day rocks (I could bring new meaning to Rocks in My Dryer... and crayons and gosh knows what else?) like they are worldly treasures but treat their electronics like rocks and toss or lose them? Do they refuse to each dishes that contain all of their faves because the food is "mixed" together? could they teach a class on Reptiles but not write a full paragraph about it? Was your child's imaginary friend a werewolf? Has one of your kids ever used deodorant for chalk or baby powder for fairy dust? Oh I know.. do/did your kids host a 5pm lemonade stand selling orange soda and Cheetos (while barefoot and grungy and under the "supervision" of their dad!) for $1? Ok I am getting off topic. I really am not ranting. My house is interesting (to say the least). Now getting to my point....

Great Schools has a new article about How to Support Your Unique Child in fact Great Schools now has LOTS of great learning disability articles as they have successfully transfered over all of the wonderful information that Schwab Learning used to host. Check it out!

Ack!

2008-07-10T16:27:00.001-04:00

Bear with me blog buddies I am trying hard to figure out how to create email subscriptions (at your request!) and Mr Linky but I am soooooooo not tech savvy and horrible at following directions (ADHD at it's best!). If you can help email me... hopefully together we can figure it out!
In the mean time check out my Frugal Blog Feeds in the bottom left! Do you have a frugal blog or know of one you would like to see added? Leave me a comment and I will check it out!

Blockbuster!

2008-07-10T09:36:00.001-04:00

I have been meaning to blog about Blockbuster for a few weeks. Now I am glad I never got around to it because the news just got sweeter!
We love RedBox but find that in the summer with limited tv and 24/7 children and good ole southern HEAT WAVES Blockbuster works out to be a great deal.
Because there is no contract we join their "Total Access" plan every June and cancel every August - there store is 1 mile from our house so it works well for us (dang there was a post for Works for me Wednesday!) but they also offer online if that is your preference.
Well a few weeks back Blockbuster started a promo where your 1st 2 weeks are free ("a trial"). Well now if you pay with paypal you also get $10 cash back (after one paid month, please read restrictions). In plain English that equates to 6-10+ weeks of free movies! In order to get this deal you must register thru this link. Check it out!
If you register leave me a comment and tell us what your first rental will be and why.

Watch Out for Hidden Gas Fees!

2008-07-09T15:13:00.002-04:00

Paying for gas with your credit card may cost you extra. Read here and post if you have seen or heard similar.
Thanks for the tip Rachel - I had never heard of this.

What kind of shopper/consumer ARE you?

2008-07-07T18:38:00.008-04:00

Are you an impulse shopper? Oh I am! Yes-sir-ree! I mean it totally goes against my grain to Coupon and follow Shopping Lists (ok I secretly like making list anyone around me as Black Friday nears knows this is true but I hate sticking to the list - I find it REALLY hard only buying what is on the list. I mean gourmet cheese and oreos are never on the grocery shopping list kwim?) and Budget (sigh! what is a budget, I don't want to see where all the money went that might keep me up at night!).
Don't get me wrong I get a GiddyHigh off of my savings (sumthin for nuthin!) and I try hard to not be wasteful but I really am an impulsive, impatient I WANT IT NOW kind of person. (my MFFs and my family can stop laughing - I confessed it, that is half the battle - Right?)One good thing is I fear debt (I need to fear my limited savings) otherwise I would be in a heap of trouble but the plain ole truth is there is a LOT of room for improvment. I mean I am no Dave Ramsey or Mary Hunt that is for sure! Just like my struggeling prayer life, contentment with living with in my means is a common struggle for me and one of the original goals that led me to blogging.
I read once that thrifty living does not mean "making do" it means doing what you want to do affordably. I totally do that! (meaning I afford it all, it just has been known to be a lil "creative" at times - groan!).
I used to question if I was frugal. Yes, I was/am a Fru-Gal and I LOVE a deal -I mean I really enjoy bargain hunting- and I am thrifty (at least by the above definition) but frugal ?? (unless you are comparing me to someone wasteful - he shall not be named - I was just not sure) but then I realized it is all in how you define it.
Wikipedia defines frugality as the practice of acquiring goods and services in a restrained manner, and resourcefully using already owned economic goods and services, to achieve a longer term goal. Ok I got the 2nd half (Mr J may not) but I really really struggle with the restraint word - in ALL aspects of life.
Yes if I made lists of adjectives that describe me many would not jive (lazy impatient perfectionist - yeppers it is possible just like liberal christian and overbuying coupon clipping bargain hunter I am a one man demographic but that's ok, I am interesting. HeHee) and none would include the word restraint in any form. I am a complex person and simplicity (no matter how attractive it sounds while facing piles of clean unsorted laundry) is just not my bag.
I am a born and bred impulse buyer (hey GG, it's me!) maybe that is why I found this blog post so funny? (I can relate, I too self medicate by avoiding the mall and bigbox stores I can't tell you the last time I have stepped foot in the mall- if only I could avoid Naartjie online sigh)
Seriously I know I have a long way to go but I know how far I have come (pat, pat! no more high interest credit cards for me!) so hopefully some day (sooner rather than later) I will get there (or at least head in that direction at a faster pace?)
If you are reading this and you can relate, give me a holler in the mean time take my poll and share it with a friend.

Outreach Clinic

2008-07-07T12:36:00.000-04:00

An Outreach Clinic for Autism, Aspergers, AD(H)D, Pervasive
Developmental Disorders, Allergies and Behavior Disorders is coming to Charlotte.

It will be held July 24 & 25 by appointment only at Carolina Family Heathcare's Ballantyne location.

If you are looking for answers - this may be for you. You can read more about it here.

Museums - for FREE

2008-07-07T09:17:00.000-04:00

Bank of America is offering free museum entrance to 70 selected museums on the first weekend of every month - you just show any Bank of America card.

Not all museums are included, but there are some very good ones! you can check here for more details.

This is yet another way to plan an affordable "staycation".

Waste Not Want Not -

2008-07-06T18:10:00.001-04:00

Today I was googling blankets (Cooper needs a new "furfur") and i came across this (at a blog I already read, cool eh?) I think this is a great frugal idea for a family keepsake! Have you ever made something like this?

We are home

2008-07-05T17:04:00.000-04:00

We are soooo happy to be home. For everyone that watered the veggies THANKS they look great!
Here are some pics before we left this morning.
Give me time to unpack and I will be back up to speed. I cant wait to find some HOT deals. It has been hard to miss out on so many. Send me any/all that you hear/know of!

check out our view tonight

2008-07-04T22:38:00.000-04:00

2008-07-04T19:41:00.001-04:00

Got a tween/teen with ADHD? After reading Shane's review I think this sounds like a great book... what do you think?

HeeHee Happy 4th

2008-07-04T14:30:00.000-04:00

Checkin-In

2008-07-03T20:01:00.002-04:00

No hot deals to post for yesterday or today as I have not been online but I did hit CVS today (out of necessity not fun).
Yesterday we spent the morning at North Beach shelling and I spent the afternoon lounging on South Beach while Mr J took the kidlets to see Wall-E. MawMaw and Carson and I also checked out the Marine Science Center and pier again. Last night GG and I took the kids to Uncle Bubba's Oyster House while MawMaw and Mr J went on the Midnight Gambler. (We are huge Paula Deen fans and this tourist trap did have GREAT eats but the service was slow!) They had cats and baby raccoons walking @ outside. The kids and GG loved it despite the long wait for food. I will not return despite the great food.
After a long night MawMaw rode with me to take Cooper to the Urgent Care today. He had swollen glands and tonsils along with fever and congestion. Poor lil guy. We stopped by CVS for his rx and they did not have the weekly ad and I did not have a Rx coupon - GASP! While we were gone Mr. J., C&B and GG did the beach, pier and ice cream parlor. Luckily Cooper bounced back after a long nap.
Later in the afternoon GG, Mr J, Lizzie B and I went to Savannah for a Trolley Tour and dinner at One Eyed Lizzies (Yummo, great recommendation from fellow frugal blogger Kaye). B loved the tour so much. She got to impress the trolley with her knowledge of Juliette Low. Yeah Girl Scouts! So cute!
All in all the week has been great fun - at least that is the way I want to remember it. Tomorrow I have promised to pier fish and we are expecting lots of fireworks so it should be a great way to end the week and by Saturday I will be back bloggin about HOT Deals so stay tuned!

Beach Book

2008-07-02T08:18:00.002-04:00

Unfortunatly I have not gotten to sit on the beach and read (what mother of 3 gets to do that?) but this is/was my book choice.
Have any of you read it? Share your opinion or recomendation!

Family Fun!

2008-07-02T07:57:00.001-04:00

ONE of the best thing about having your mother (GG) and mother in law (MawMaw) on vacation with you is that they babysit for you to have a date night!
Yesterday after a long day on the beach Mr J and I went to Sand Fly for dinner at Pearls YUMMO! (if ever in this area check it out! thanks St. Claire). After dinner we walked River St.
Here are some photos of our fun.

GG and LizzieB
Lizzie is RICH (she put back 80%)

King Wave Rider
Prince Sand Thrower
MawMaw likes Cartoons? no just snuggles
Our Awesome Date Night!
Cooper lovin his grandmas

Our Dolphin Adventure

2008-07-01T08:56:00.000-04:00

Here is my little family on the Dolphin III

and here are some of the sights we saw

Menu Plan Monday

2008-06-30T13:36:00.004-04:00

This weeks MenuPlanMonday (episode III) is an interesting one as we are on vacation in Sunny Coastal GA. On our arrival day we had hot dogs, slaw and chips. Yesterday I made Overnight Sticky Buns for breakfast and Tuna Pasta Salad for lunch then last night we ate at Tubby's Tankhouse in Thunderbolt (the shrimp was amazing but the oysters were not very good). Today I made biscuits and my MIL made eggs and bacon (wakey wakey eggs and bakey!) For lunch it was "Do Your Own Thang" and tonight we are having Fisgus' Chicken Divan (only we add rice to s t r e t c h one recipe to feed all 7 of us).
Starting tomorrow breakfast will be "quick and easy, do it yourself" (except for Cooper I guess I will feed the 3y but everyone else is on their own will I sip my coffee on the deck - hehee)
My other "mealplanning" for the week includes "lunch fixins" like Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, Turkey & Munster, Roast Beef & Provolone, Bologna & Cheese, and PB&J. Our snack plan includes Raspberry Salsa, Homemade Pico&Guac, Cheese & Crackers, Homemade veggie dip and bugels, blueberries, strawberries, raisins LOTS OF GOODIES (that is what is great about vacation, yummO)
We have some super "blogger recommended" restaurants picked so my only real plan to cook is Suzanne's Lemon Pepper Shrimp on either Tues. or Wed. night. It sounds so good I will include the recipe below. Hmmm. Other than that I will play it by ear so I don't freak out GG and MawMaw with my "OPD" (over planning disease - hehee).
We leave on Saturday and I don't have a plan for that night or for Sunday so if one of you have a FAST suggestion that includes things I likely have at home, drop me a comment.

Suzanne's Lemon Pepper Shrimp
2 lbs unpeeled shrimp
3 stalks celery, chopped coarsely
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small onion, sliced thinly
4 whole lemons
2 sticks butter
½ cup Worcestershire sauce
1 2oz can peppers (I forgot to buy this)
½ cup lemon juice
2 tsp hot sauce
1 Tbsp salt
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place shrimp in 9x13 glass baking dish. Scatter celery, onion and garlic over shrimp. Cut lemons in half and squeeze over shrimp. Place squeezed lemon halves in baking dish. In small saucepan, melt butter. Add all remaining ingredients to butter and mix well. Pour over shrimp. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes, stirring often. Serve with crusty French bread to soak up juices.

Fun in the sun

2008-06-29T16:09:00.000-04:00

We are having a good time. Except for a fast summer storm the weather has been perfect. MawMaw and Daddy had fun playing in the water with the kids. After lunch we walked the "strip" and shopped. MawMaw, C & B have gone to the Marine Science Center. WooHoo! Here is a pic from today... at least until MawMaw hears/notices there is a photo of her in a bathing suit on the "InternetS"... then I will likely have to remove it :-)

We have arrived

2008-06-28T22:17:00.001-04:00

Here are the kidlets in the condo
And here are our views from the balcony It is a bit more congested than we are used to be we are stil looking forward to a fun week lots of stuff is in walking distance and we have already seen dolphins!

We are off...

2008-06-28T07:53:00.000-04:00

Wish us happy travels. I will TRY to post pics of our adventures sprinkled in with the deals you guys email me. Have a great week!

Hmmmm

2008-06-26T15:01:00.000-04:00

Is HE trying to tell me something? Check out my daily verse for today:

Now that is a NeatO Idea!

2008-06-24T21:46:00.003-04:00

Chief Family Officer has a great idea for inexpensive kids birthday cards! NeatO!

Vision

2008-06-24T21:02:00.006-04:00

We spent our afternoon at the Eye Doctor. We were late getting there because their address is on one road and they are located on another road entirely! Can you believe that? By the time we got there at 10 after I was stressed. (If only I knew how to use my phones GPS... I am so tech-challenged! sigh). They said don't worry about it EVERYONE does that. Eek!
Anyway long story short... this was LilC 1st visit (he will be 3 on Sat.) He did GREAT! His vision is 20/80 and he has astigmatism in both eyes. No glasses at this time since he is not yet reading (Heehe). I have to admit I am a lil bummed he was not 20/20. Oh well he did get a rx for an eye infection.. yuck!
Carson was next. His vision and prism were the same as last time but they added .5 astigmatism to both eyes. He did NOT like being dilated (who does?). He picked out very Euro frames (pewter rectangles). I hope Mr. J does not freak about them?
LizzieB was last and her rx stayed 1.0 but they added the minimum of astigmatism to hers (can't remember if it was one or both?). He said her saccades/movement has not improved at all. Her new frames are plastic like readers (which I could not talk her in to getting last year) and get this she picked brown over pink! Wow! Hopefully she will keep these on and up instead of looking over them. Sigh
I am guessing by the time we get home from vacation their new specs will be ready and I can post pics :-) but the doc said for the summer we only need them while reading or doing school work (woohoo!)

Waste Not Want Not -

2008-06-24T12:53:00.007-04:00

MenuPlanMonday is going good! (heehe at least day 1 of 7 did!) I had to sub Trader Joe's Penette Pasta for the Rigatoni and I added olives and artichokes but it was great! (no leftovers!) However... last night's Banana Pudding did not set:-( but rather than toss it I had the bright idea to throw it in the ice cream churn today. Yummo Dessert Disaster Averted! (try that tongue twister outloud 3x- weeh!)

The Impact of Gas Cost$

2008-06-22T16:17:00.011-04:00

Anne has a great post on "the financial impact of the gasoline-driven church"" Take a moment to read it. Neat perspective.

Speaking of gas I have a question... (really, not trying to start something I am seriously looking for an answer). Why do we need to lease more acres to expand offshore drilling when we are only currently drilling in/on 10.2 million of the 41 million that are currently leased? I heard today that 79% of the available off shore oil lies in these acres that are sitting untouched. Why expand (lease more) if we/they (with they being big oil) are not drilling at capacity now? Is it to maintain price/profit? or to maintain the argument that Environmentalists are the cause of the current gas problem? Anyone know? I really am curious.

NeatO! Free Postcards!

2008-06-22T09:46:00.005-04:00

A fellow frugal loopie sent me an AWESOME site - Hippopost - They allow you to create your own free postcard and then they mail it out for you postage free... How cool is that?

I am really bad about printing photos and mailing postcards and have even been tacky enough to send email thank yous GASP but I like this site and can't wait to try it. Later today (assuming my to do list is caught up and it storms as predicted) I am going to play with this and Arts Cow maybe I can go ahead and create our Disney photo book and FINALLY mail my Nana Norma photos of my kidlets.

This reminds me of something I read on Charlotte Fru-Gals... Did you know that you can use/mail almost anything flat that meets the USPS size guidelines? Recycled cards, kids art, your digital prints, paper plates, laminated art....be creative and share your ideas here!

Can you Imagine?

2008-06-21T13:31:00.006-04:00

I have twins so maybe that is why I am so amazed by this story but - WOW - can you imagine? I can't!

I delivered B&C 6w5d early and they were 5.8 and 5.9 wonder if they would have been whoppers like this NC duo?

2008-06-20T08:40:00.005-04:00

As many of you know my twins have the ABCs behind their names from ADHD to Sensory Processing to Dyspraxia etc and bigC also has low muscle tone and balance problems. Well he could not ride a bike so we decided to send him to camp/lessons upon suggestions of his old OT. There were kids from 8-18 (special needs, legally blind and neuro typical (that means "normal" whatever that is!) and one adult there. They ALL learned to ride. - not a dry eye in the room.
So now he RIDES... and thanks to Charlotte.com and News14 we have a video and article to commemorate it.

Got a comment for bigC? leave it here. He will be soooooo excited!

Read more about this awesome program here.

Got Questions?

2008-06-19T16:25:00.004-04:00

If you are new (clueless) to gardening like me (hey - I am trying) then you will LOVE the Ask Nancy section of the Charlotte Observer. You can email Nancy questions and she posts her response! How cool is that!
I have found this and the UC Master Garden Line to be invaluable.