We are in the final days of the school year and I have been BUSY!
We are getting everything together for the Kindergarten play..which is always a big deal here. LOL
DS17 had his prom this last weekend...helped him get ready for that, I have been subbing quite a bit lately...I guess some teachers getting last minute items taken care of also.
I will be enormously relived when the school year has ended.... Then it will be just getting into a new routine for the summer. LOLOL
Anyways....I have not forgotten this blog....just needing things to calm back down so that I can post more.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Mount Vernon Field Trip
Well....I survived the field trip! LOL
Actually, it was really fun. I had never been to Mount Vernon before today. I really could have spent the whole day there by myself and STILL had not been able to see everything. I love places like that...especially with the people dressed is period dress and showing us how things were done back then.
That would be my dream job....a historical re-inactor for historical place like that.
Back to the field trip....LOL... I had five girls in my "group"..of course, we all stayed together and they held hands with all the different girls and teachers. LOL I just kept an eye on my girls (okay, I kept an eye on all of them!)...and things went smoothly.
My legs hurt! I walked so much....plus I have a red face! Oh well..that is normal for me. Now I get a week to recover, then I am chaperoning a field trip for my second grader. We are going on a nature hike to look and identify birds and other animals. Yes, I will be getting my exercise in. :-)
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Phases in our lives.....
Sorry I have not posted recently, life has been busy...and well, I have been considering an end to a phase in my life.
Several months ago....my DH and I decided to have another child. Well, honestly, it was my idea. He just said he would let me decide and if that is what I wanted, he was fine either way.
Several months later, no pregnancy and my life was busy with projects with the kids school and even substitute teaching. Doubts about another child started forming.... the changes that I would need to make, the things I would be unable to do with my two that I have already had. And most importantly.....WHY did I want another child!
What it came down to....I did not want to face the end of that phase in my life! The thought of my "baby-making" days being over was something I did not want to deal with...but I needed to. After much prayer, contemplation, and talks with DH (tears included)...I have decided to end that phase of my life and move on to enjoying fully the two I have. I enjoy being active in their school. I even enjoy being able to substitute teach there. (Especially the preschool classes).
Although, there will always be that part of me that goes "ohhhh" when I see a newborn baby...I am ready to say that I am content with the children I have. I am SO thankful they are healthy and happy.
So.... as I readjust my mindset....I will be looking for new opportunities to "broaden" my horizens. LOL
****Just a note. If for some reason, we ever do get a "surprise"...I would have no problem switching back to that role. It is just not something I am intentionally going to pursue!
Several months ago....my DH and I decided to have another child. Well, honestly, it was my idea. He just said he would let me decide and if that is what I wanted, he was fine either way.
Several months later, no pregnancy and my life was busy with projects with the kids school and even substitute teaching. Doubts about another child started forming.... the changes that I would need to make, the things I would be unable to do with my two that I have already had. And most importantly.....WHY did I want another child!
What it came down to....I did not want to face the end of that phase in my life! The thought of my "baby-making" days being over was something I did not want to deal with...but I needed to. After much prayer, contemplation, and talks with DH (tears included)...I have decided to end that phase of my life and move on to enjoying fully the two I have. I enjoy being active in their school. I even enjoy being able to substitute teach there. (Especially the preschool classes).
Although, there will always be that part of me that goes "ohhhh" when I see a newborn baby...I am ready to say that I am content with the children I have. I am SO thankful they are healthy and happy.
So.... as I readjust my mindset....I will be looking for new opportunities to "broaden" my horizens. LOL
****Just a note. If for some reason, we ever do get a "surprise"...I would have no problem switching back to that role. It is just not something I am intentionally going to pursue!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Well...I gave in....slightly.
Okay, my dear little daughter has been wanting her hair cut for weeks now. I have said "no", "not yet", and "when you are older" MANY, MANY TIMES! LOL
She wanted her hair to be like "sally's"....unfortunately, "sally's" hair is thin and straight, so her short bob looks good on her. Lays flat and straight. Well, my dear daughterr's hair is naturally Curly, with a capital "C", and I tried to explain to her that her hair would not look like "sally's" no matter how much her wanted it to... LOL
Anyways, now to the "giving in" part. :-D I agreed to trim her hair some....not alot (even though it looks like it), but mostly to get rid of some of the rough ends that keep getting tangled. Although I barely cut 2 inches off, the lighter weight made the remaining length just spring up. LOL
Here is the before:
and now the after:
Oh...she wanted bangs....so I gave her some..... well, just a slight amount.
See....she got her hair cut and I still have enough to braid and put up in ponytails!
She wanted her hair to be like "sally's"....unfortunately, "sally's" hair is thin and straight, so her short bob looks good on her. Lays flat and straight. Well, my dear daughterr's hair is naturally Curly, with a capital "C", and I tried to explain to her that her hair would not look like "sally's" no matter how much her wanted it to... LOL
Anyways, now to the "giving in" part. :-D I agreed to trim her hair some....not alot (even though it looks like it), but mostly to get rid of some of the rough ends that keep getting tangled. Although I barely cut 2 inches off, the lighter weight made the remaining length just spring up. LOL
Here is the before:
and now the after:
Oh...she wanted bangs....so I gave her some..... well, just a slight amount.
See....she got her hair cut and I still have enough to braid and put up in ponytails!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part V
Today's Topic: Coupons.
I use coupons, but not as much as some people might think. :-) I use coupons only when I am truly get a deal. Does that sound strange? Well, I found out that a coupon, in and of itself, does not guarantee a "good deal". I now only use them when the item is on sale, especially as a "loss leader". Okay...correction, I have been known to use a coupon on a product that I would like to try, but do not want to pay full price for; again, hoping to find it on sale at the same time.
I know there are some ladies (and gentlemen) out there that live in areas where the grocery chains have awesome coupon policies. I wish I had the same options. I am starting to utilize CVS' Extra Care Bucks, there seems to be promise to those if you can combine them with coupons. (I will post more on this, once I get a better understanding of it.)
So, if you want to coupon great, find a system that works for you and use it. But please remember that not all coupons equal a good deal.
I use coupons, but not as much as some people might think. :-) I use coupons only when I am truly get a deal. Does that sound strange? Well, I found out that a coupon, in and of itself, does not guarantee a "good deal". I now only use them when the item is on sale, especially as a "loss leader". Okay...correction, I have been known to use a coupon on a product that I would like to try, but do not want to pay full price for; again, hoping to find it on sale at the same time.
I know there are some ladies (and gentlemen) out there that live in areas where the grocery chains have awesome coupon policies. I wish I had the same options. I am starting to utilize CVS' Extra Care Bucks, there seems to be promise to those if you can combine them with coupons. (I will post more on this, once I get a better understanding of it.)
So, if you want to coupon great, find a system that works for you and use it. But please remember that not all coupons equal a good deal.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part IV
Today's Topic: Shopping at Multiple Stores.
I find this one of the best ways to get the ultimate in grocery savings. This ties into the loss-leaders strategy from the previous topic. Check each ad to see if there are items worth purchasing. (This is where the price book comes in also.)
Included in this is for me to drive to Aldi's every 3-4 months (Aldi's is now an hour from where I live) for a larger "stock up". I have found that if I go every 3-4 months, I optimize my savings in balance with the cost of gas to drive there and back. I am also blessed to have a Hubby that works near Aldi's, so if I forget something or need something restocked before my next scheduled trip, he can do that for me on the way home.
**If you live somewhere where driving to several stores is NOT cost effective, you need to concentrate on the one store that gives you the best deals. This can mean different stores each week, but it takes knowing your prices.
I find this one of the best ways to get the ultimate in grocery savings. This ties into the loss-leaders strategy from the previous topic. Check each ad to see if there are items worth purchasing. (This is where the price book comes in also.)
Included in this is for me to drive to Aldi's every 3-4 months (Aldi's is now an hour from where I live) for a larger "stock up". I have found that if I go every 3-4 months, I optimize my savings in balance with the cost of gas to drive there and back. I am also blessed to have a Hubby that works near Aldi's, so if I forget something or need something restocked before my next scheduled trip, he can do that for me on the way home.
**If you live somewhere where driving to several stores is NOT cost effective, you need to concentrate on the one store that gives you the best deals. This can mean different stores each week, but it takes knowing your prices.
Friday, March 16, 2007
For Rocket
October 2000 -- March 2007
You were a good dog, Rocket. You will be missed. Thank you for being our friend and member of the family for the time that you had.
Love you......
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
It is now official...I am a Substitute Teacher.
Well, I had my first assignment today. Special Needs Preschool. It was really fun, hard, tiring, but fun non-the-less fun.
Actually it is a combination preschool, with the majority with special needs (5 special needs, 3 non). After the other substitute and I found our rythem the day went by nice and truthfully, kind of fast.
We even survived a tornado drill.
I have my next assignment scheduled for the 26th of this month....unless I get called before then. That assignment will be with a second grade class....the room next to my son's.
Well, I am off to surf some more and relax before I start dinner. The kiddos are outside enjoying the 75 degree weather.
Talk to you all later.
Actually it is a combination preschool, with the majority with special needs (5 special needs, 3 non). After the other substitute and I found our rythem the day went by nice and truthfully, kind of fast.
We even survived a tornado drill.
I have my next assignment scheduled for the 26th of this month....unless I get called before then. That assignment will be with a second grade class....the room next to my son's.
Well, I am off to surf some more and relax before I start dinner. The kiddos are outside enjoying the 75 degree weather.
Talk to you all later.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Daylight Savings Time Reminder
Turning our clocks forward is coming early this year. Don't ask me why... I read an article about it, but am still not sure WHY they wanted the change.
Anyways, please remember to turn your clocks forward one hour tonight before going to bed. Oh...since we are losing an hour...you might want to try and go to bed earlier than usual.
What fun for us with kiddos in public school on Monday.
Have a great day everyone.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part III
Today's topic: Loss-Leaders!
Loss-leaders are the "get you in the store" sale items that Grocery store chains put on the front page of their ads. They do this in the hopes that you will buy all your other groceries there, at THEIR high prices!
The way to take advantage of these are to buy ONLY the loss-leaders and then leave! LOL There is nothing wrong with doing this. You are not being dis-honest or unethical. I write this because I have heard people say these type of things in the past. Now, if you were not adhering to any limits or conditions to these prices, then I could see the point. BUT if this if the price the store is offering, then there is no reason that you HAVE to buy anything else.
This leads into the next topic on shopping multiple stores, which I will post about next time. :-)
Loss-leaders are the "get you in the store" sale items that Grocery store chains put on the front page of their ads. They do this in the hopes that you will buy all your other groceries there, at THEIR high prices!
The way to take advantage of these are to buy ONLY the loss-leaders and then leave! LOL There is nothing wrong with doing this. You are not being dis-honest or unethical. I write this because I have heard people say these type of things in the past. Now, if you were not adhering to any limits or conditions to these prices, then I could see the point. BUT if this if the price the store is offering, then there is no reason that you HAVE to buy anything else.
This leads into the next topic on shopping multiple stores, which I will post about next time. :-)
Saturday, March 03, 2007
It's a good thing you can "opt out" of this......
Below is an article about Virginia passing legislation that will require all girls to receive the NEW vaccine for certain virus' that cause cervical cancer.
Now, I have no problem with vaccinations, I really don't. MY problem with this one is that it is SO NEW and the government is trying to FORCE us to put it in out daughters!
I want more research to see what kind of long-term reactions might show up. I am always suspicious when some new drug or vaccine comes out and the government wants to push it on us "for the greater good"!
I am relieved that WE, as parents can "opt out" of this, but how long will that be an option? KWIM!
All I know, is that I agree with my dear, dear sweet husband...."there is always the homeschool option." I have a feeling that will come about sooner, rather than later!
Updated:2007-03-02 08:21:59
Virginia to Require Vaccine for Girls
AP
RICHMOND, Va. (March 2) - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Thursday he would sign legislation requiring all sixth-grade girls to be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Virginia would become the second state to mandate the vaccine for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and the first to do it through legislative action. Texas Gov. Rick Perry sidestepped the Legislature and ordered the shots for girls there, but lawmakers are considering overriding that order.
"I think it strikes the right balance," said Kaine, who wanted to make sure parents would have enough time to review the vaccine and allow them to opt out "without having to jump through hoops."
The requirement would go into effect for the 2009 school year. If parents want to opt out, they must review literature provided by their child's school, then sign a form.
The federal government approved Gardasil, the only vaccine on the market, in June and suggested it be given to females before they become sexually active.
03/01/07 23:24 EST
Now, I have no problem with vaccinations, I really don't. MY problem with this one is that it is SO NEW and the government is trying to FORCE us to put it in out daughters!
I want more research to see what kind of long-term reactions might show up. I am always suspicious when some new drug or vaccine comes out and the government wants to push it on us "for the greater good"!
I am relieved that WE, as parents can "opt out" of this, but how long will that be an option? KWIM!
All I know, is that I agree with my dear, dear sweet husband...."there is always the homeschool option." I have a feeling that will come about sooner, rather than later!
Updated:2007-03-02 08:21:59
Virginia to Require Vaccine for Girls
AP
RICHMOND, Va. (March 2) - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Thursday he would sign legislation requiring all sixth-grade girls to be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Virginia would become the second state to mandate the vaccine for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and the first to do it through legislative action. Texas Gov. Rick Perry sidestepped the Legislature and ordered the shots for girls there, but lawmakers are considering overriding that order.
"I think it strikes the right balance," said Kaine, who wanted to make sure parents would have enough time to review the vaccine and allow them to opt out "without having to jump through hoops."
The requirement would go into effect for the 2009 school year. If parents want to opt out, they must review literature provided by their child's school, then sign a form.
The federal government approved Gardasil, the only vaccine on the market, in June and suggested it be given to females before they become sexually active.
03/01/07 23:24 EST
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part II
Today's Topic: Buy in Bulk
This is not just for grains, flour, sugar and such, but also cleaning products, paper goods and anything that I can freeze. This is where having a nice Price Book comes into play. A bulk purchase is a waste if the price per pound is not a savings. Don't assume that just because the package is large that the savings is there! Because of my price book, I know what the "normal" prices are and what the "sale" prices will be (within reason). Also, something to consider, if the product that you are buying in bulk can not be used before it goes bad, IT IT NOT A SAVINGS! Food thrown in the trash is no different than throwing money in the trash.
DH has a contact through work that can order meats through a restaurant wholesaler, if you can find someone like this, make them your best friend! (Okay, that might be considered "using" someone, but hey, we can all use more friends. :-) ) We have gotten some wonderful deals that way. My vacuum sealer was a wonderful investment!
That will be all for today, I will post some more in a day or two.
This is not just for grains, flour, sugar and such, but also cleaning products, paper goods and anything that I can freeze. This is where having a nice Price Book comes into play. A bulk purchase is a waste if the price per pound is not a savings. Don't assume that just because the package is large that the savings is there! Because of my price book, I know what the "normal" prices are and what the "sale" prices will be (within reason). Also, something to consider, if the product that you are buying in bulk can not be used before it goes bad, IT IT NOT A SAVINGS! Food thrown in the trash is no different than throwing money in the trash.
DH has a contact through work that can order meats through a restaurant wholesaler, if you can find someone like this, make them your best friend! (Okay, that might be considered "using" someone, but hey, we can all use more friends. :-) ) We have gotten some wonderful deals that way. My vacuum sealer was a wonderful investment!
That will be all for today, I will post some more in a day or two.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Stratagies for saving money on groceries.
I want to start adding more "frugal living" ideas to this blog. I mean, that WAS the reason I started this thing to begin with. LOL
So, today I am going to share ONE of my strategies for saving money on groceries.
Today's Topic: The Price Book
It is a simple 4 X 6 notebook, with pages that can be removed and added. The prices listed in mine are now mostly Aldi (a small grocery store) prices. If I can beat their price, I know it is a good deal. I do have some other stores listed, but not as much as I used to.
This has helped me to find some really AWESOME deals. I can really tell if a "manager's special" REALLY is special. It also helps to know if a "loss leader" is worth a special trip to a store.
It takes some time to set up a price book, but the savings in the future is really worth the investment of your time now.
So, today I am going to share ONE of my strategies for saving money on groceries.
Today's Topic: The Price Book
It is a simple 4 X 6 notebook, with pages that can be removed and added. The prices listed in mine are now mostly Aldi (a small grocery store) prices. If I can beat their price, I know it is a good deal. I do have some other stores listed, but not as much as I used to.
This has helped me to find some really AWESOME deals. I can really tell if a "manager's special" REALLY is special. It also helps to know if a "loss leader" is worth a special trip to a store.
It takes some time to set up a price book, but the savings in the future is really worth the investment of your time now.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Clutter is taking over again!
I have been rather lax with the clutter in my living room, dining room area and it is REALLY showing!
I need to start paying more attention to the details. Also, I think I will look into some decorating books from the library, maybe get some ideas.
Why does decorating come so naturally to some and so difficult for me? It's not from lack of interest, at least I don't think so. :-)
Of course, sometimes I think "why bother" because no one else in the house seem to care, and with six other people living and "cluttering" the place, it can get out of hand.
Hmmm....any suggestions? I am open for anything.
I need to start paying more attention to the details. Also, I think I will look into some decorating books from the library, maybe get some ideas.
Why does decorating come so naturally to some and so difficult for me? It's not from lack of interest, at least I don't think so. :-)
Of course, sometimes I think "why bother" because no one else in the house seem to care, and with six other people living and "cluttering" the place, it can get out of hand.
Hmmm....any suggestions? I am open for anything.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
Profanity from parents
What is wrong with people today???
I was in Walmart today and this woman was yelling at her son and using profanity! I just stood there looking at with a "you have got to be kidding me" look to my face!
It seems that the little boy (around 5) had an accident in his pants. Well, the mother's response (in part), "I can not believe you s*&^&&& in your pants! You are old enough to know not to be s*&^%%^*% in your pants. I can't beleive you!" Then she turned and saw me with my "look", and actually looked embarassed. She then turned and went down the aisle.
It is bad enough that people don't seem to have a large enough vocabulary that they need to use profanity in their every day language, but for a MOTHER to talk to her little one like that just floored me!
Is it just me that is surprised by this type of behaviour? Am I a little naive? I don't know about that, but I do know that the look on that little guys face just tore me to pieces!
I was in Walmart today and this woman was yelling at her son and using profanity! I just stood there looking at with a "you have got to be kidding me" look to my face!
It seems that the little boy (around 5) had an accident in his pants. Well, the mother's response (in part), "I can not believe you s*&^&&& in your pants! You are old enough to know not to be s*&^%%^*% in your pants. I can't beleive you!" Then she turned and saw me with my "look", and actually looked embarassed. She then turned and went down the aisle.
It is bad enough that people don't seem to have a large enough vocabulary that they need to use profanity in their every day language, but for a MOTHER to talk to her little one like that just floored me!
Is it just me that is surprised by this type of behaviour? Am I a little naive? I don't know about that, but I do know that the look on that little guys face just tore me to pieces!
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