So, realizing I haven't done this thing... AGAIN for a month has me frazzled. I seemed however, to get a little bit of the bug back. I crocheted a masterpiece this week... it took me 3 days. It's a Yoda hat for my darling secret santa. I have a picture, but he told me I would die if I posted it on the internet world, so I may need to edit it so the world can see. It truly was an awesome hat. Making the hat made me feel like several things can happen....
1. I can write again. I also discovered, via a co-worker, some students of mine have created their own You Tube channels and are "vlogging". Video Blogging? and while they are somewhat humourous... there are a few that look like bad attempts in creating the Blair Witch project. So if they can put themselves out there making a video for the world to see about absolutely nothing, I can totally write about SOMETHING... be the Obi Wan, JFTB, geez!
2. I can get more cleaning done on week nights. maybe.
3. Maybe I can take 5 more minutes in the morning to slap on some mascara.... we'll see.
Hoping for good things in 2012. 2011 Started beautifully... I got a perfect baby boy, and I have learned just the beginning of being a Momma.
Oh yeah, I am going to my BFFs house tomorrow... finally! It took a month, but I finally have sucked her in and out of her hidy hole. I'm bringing some other divas with me.
Christmas break is here... I promise to write more. Promise, promise.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Cue the awkward turtle swimming by...
It's 8:15, do you know where your husband is? Yep. Mine is assisting coaching a basketball game, and I am not there. ASSISTING. It's weird to think of him as just an assistant coach, when our whole married existence he has been a head coach of his own basketball program. I also feel lost because I am not assuming my position behind the bench smiling as he looks back at me with his eyes saying, "What the F was that?!? Did you see that call? I am about 2.5 from throwing this clipboard at a ref..." I am not sure how I feel about the oh so many changes swirling about. I love our son with all my being, and being home with him right now is the absolute right thing in the world... but I can't help but miss the feeling of hardwood on my butt from sitting in the bleachers of a basketball gym. We'll get our shot here in a few weeks when a home game comes around. I will be excited to get to show Jax the ropes of basketball game watching. Maybe i'll teach him a few cheers along the way.... I used to be a cheer coach in my past life too. Did you know that?
By the way.... did you notice I am writing? I need to get in the habit of doing it more often. 9 months of Jaxon's life has gone by, and I have done a horrid job of cataloging it. Just awful. I bought the coolest baby book I could find, with all kinds of places to write things down. Guess when the last time I wrote in it was?..... yep. His 2 week check up. IN FEBRUARY. I get a little P-O'd when people tell me "Girl! You have a baby, it's all good! Things like that happen..." Yeah. They do... but too many things are 'happening' and I am not sure how I feel about being ok with my life just crumbling out from under me! Try these on for size:
1. My house MOST of the time looks like something straight up out of Hoarders. No lie. There have been dishes in my sink since Sunday night. THey are still there.... they may still be there tonight, because I am too tired to even think of fooling with them.
2. My bedroom has gone from Sanctuary to insane asylum. It is floor to ceiling of crap. Mostly laundry in different phases of life.... dirty, clean, and questionable.
3. I can't remember the last time I wore make up.
4. I can't remember the last time I cooked a meal for my husband that didn't involve a microwave or something pre packaged.
5. I've used a good majority of my birthday money on Starbucks because I don't have time to eat breakfast and can't afford to stop there every morning otherwise... seeing my barista Deeanne (yes... we know each other) makes me smile. There's a new guy though in the mornings, and he gets on my nerves... and he doesn't know my name... AND he can't pronounce Caramel Brulee Latte. Or when I ask for a triple grande, he has to get clarification on what I mean.... and he doesn't understand that a Venti Ice water means the big cup... not the little cup.
6. I don't know what it means to exercise unless I pick up my child.
7. I eat bad food, because it makes me happy, and because I am busy.
8. I cry inside every time I have to go to school because I drive an hour to there and an hour home and I miss out on time with my son.
9. I cry again because my students are horrid and I can't afford to be a stay at home mom with a little boy I really want to see... because I see him less hours a week than the "other" kids...
10. I am sucking real bad at the little things that mean a lot (ahem... lesson plans) at work. I never used to be late in turning in lesson plans, or showing up for or remembering duty. It doesn't matter what time I leave my house... and I usually leave around 6:30 in the morning... I still don't get to school until about 8.
11. I can't manage to get ahead in any aspect of life.
Is this normal? I am sure it is... and I know someone is going to tell me it gets better... but when? I'd like the pipe dream i'm chasing to come true. Maybe I should just take that money going to coffee and start buying scratch offs.
Did I mention I am writing again? It's kind of a big deal... I like it a lot. a real whole lot....
It's also my BFFs birthday this week. I probably won't get to see her. That's another story. I miss her like crazy. I have realized lately just how lost I really am without her guiding me along. Maybe that's why I suck so bad this year as a teacher? I've had to completely go solo without my safety net.
So the random blabbing this is turning into is my cue to push publish and call it a night. Hopefully my darling son will sleep in his crib the whole night... as much as I LOVE him snuggling in between me and daddy at night, I would like some normalcy back. Just a little. Do I sound like a whiney grump yet? Maybe I need some wine to stop whining. Ugh.... Thanksgiving break, are you here yet?
By the way.... did you notice I am writing? I need to get in the habit of doing it more often. 9 months of Jaxon's life has gone by, and I have done a horrid job of cataloging it. Just awful. I bought the coolest baby book I could find, with all kinds of places to write things down. Guess when the last time I wrote in it was?..... yep. His 2 week check up. IN FEBRUARY. I get a little P-O'd when people tell me "Girl! You have a baby, it's all good! Things like that happen..." Yeah. They do... but too many things are 'happening' and I am not sure how I feel about being ok with my life just crumbling out from under me! Try these on for size:
1. My house MOST of the time looks like something straight up out of Hoarders. No lie. There have been dishes in my sink since Sunday night. THey are still there.... they may still be there tonight, because I am too tired to even think of fooling with them.
2. My bedroom has gone from Sanctuary to insane asylum. It is floor to ceiling of crap. Mostly laundry in different phases of life.... dirty, clean, and questionable.
3. I can't remember the last time I wore make up.
4. I can't remember the last time I cooked a meal for my husband that didn't involve a microwave or something pre packaged.
5. I've used a good majority of my birthday money on Starbucks because I don't have time to eat breakfast and can't afford to stop there every morning otherwise... seeing my barista Deeanne (yes... we know each other) makes me smile. There's a new guy though in the mornings, and he gets on my nerves... and he doesn't know my name... AND he can't pronounce Caramel Brulee Latte. Or when I ask for a triple grande, he has to get clarification on what I mean.... and he doesn't understand that a Venti Ice water means the big cup... not the little cup.
6. I don't know what it means to exercise unless I pick up my child.
7. I eat bad food, because it makes me happy, and because I am busy.
8. I cry inside every time I have to go to school because I drive an hour to there and an hour home and I miss out on time with my son.
9. I cry again because my students are horrid and I can't afford to be a stay at home mom with a little boy I really want to see... because I see him less hours a week than the "other" kids...
10. I am sucking real bad at the little things that mean a lot (ahem... lesson plans) at work. I never used to be late in turning in lesson plans, or showing up for or remembering duty. It doesn't matter what time I leave my house... and I usually leave around 6:30 in the morning... I still don't get to school until about 8.
11. I can't manage to get ahead in any aspect of life.
Is this normal? I am sure it is... and I know someone is going to tell me it gets better... but when? I'd like the pipe dream i'm chasing to come true. Maybe I should just take that money going to coffee and start buying scratch offs.
Did I mention I am writing again? It's kind of a big deal... I like it a lot. a real whole lot....
It's also my BFFs birthday this week. I probably won't get to see her. That's another story. I miss her like crazy. I have realized lately just how lost I really am without her guiding me along. Maybe that's why I suck so bad this year as a teacher? I've had to completely go solo without my safety net.
So the random blabbing this is turning into is my cue to push publish and call it a night. Hopefully my darling son will sleep in his crib the whole night... as much as I LOVE him snuggling in between me and daddy at night, I would like some normalcy back. Just a little. Do I sound like a whiney grump yet? Maybe I need some wine to stop whining. Ugh.... Thanksgiving break, are you here yet?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
30 days of Thankfulness
My darling friend started this 30 day thankfulness thing on Facebook. I think it is an awesome idea. Why just focus on things you are thankful for on just Thanksgiving?
I can think of a few off hand that will sure make the list...
1. Bacon
2. Bacon flavored things
3. Any food containing bacon
Ok... in all seriousness, bacon makes the world a better place. I am thankful for pigs and their sacrifice for the advancement of bacony goodness on this Earth. I thankful for other things too...
1. My parents. They celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary yesterday. I hope to accomplish that and many more. Marriage is hard. Real hard.... It is even harder when you throw a baby in the mix. I am finding this out all the time. They have not only survived each other, but raising 3 VERY DIFFERENT hormone charged daughters. That is really saying something.
2. My husband. We may not always get along, agree, say the nicest things, help each other out the way we need to... but he is a great dad to our son, and after 13 years, still is my bff.
3. My son. That little boy is the reason I wake up every morning, literally and figuratively speaking.... You would think so too hearing his laugh...
4. Coffee. Without it, I would have died in several wrecks on the way to work. It keeps me going...
Realizing It's too late for coffee... A buzz kill is about to take place.
This Momma is mucho tired, and although I started out strong.... This heifer's had it.
Good night, sleep tight... think of bacon and all is alright.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
80's hair FTW!
Yep... I just spent 30 minutes crimping my hair and cutting (YES CUT-TING) bangs and curling them second grade school pic style.... you don't get to see the results until tomorrow... We are part-aying it up straight out of 1982 tomorrow... It was a good year. For hair, and babies born at 5:17 pm. Happy Birthday Eve to me!
Monday, October 24, 2011
ramblings of happiness...
#1. This website.... http://theoatmeal.com/comics/misspelling
Holy Cannoli. Hys-ter-i-cal. When you call the extra O in loose a "hemorrhoid O", you've got my vote as an epic grammar lesson. Too bad 99% of it is too inappropriate for school.
#2. Birthday week. Yes, it is my birthday WEEK. It has fallen on Red Ribbon Week as long as I can remember, which since the beginning of my school times (minus college of course...) It has been a celebration week of fun, awesome dress up days.
#3. Sweet students like this....
I have a group of boys in Pre-AP that are creating reader's theatre scripts about the origin of babies. They believe babies came from dust bunnies causing women to eat way too much and thus getting a tummy, the babies then shoot out the woman's belly button or crawl out their nose... I can't remember which because a precious student I have in that group and I had our own side convo. I asked a dangerous question.... "How are you going to explain the alien in the tummy feeling and being able to physically see the baby moving on the outside."pause.... wait for the weird comment.... AND... there is none. He says to me, "Well that is interesting, because you know biologically it is weird, but honestly I find the whole idea of pregnancy a very beautiful thing." Say what? This precious boy is going to make one kick ass husband and father some day. What 13 year old boy says things like this?
#4. It's fall/Christmas picture day at daycare on Friday, and I can't wait to see the pictures!!!
#5, I was Hermoine today.... and it was awesome.
Holy Cannoli. Hys-ter-i-cal. When you call the extra O in loose a "hemorrhoid O", you've got my vote as an epic grammar lesson. Too bad 99% of it is too inappropriate for school.
#2. Birthday week. Yes, it is my birthday WEEK. It has fallen on Red Ribbon Week as long as I can remember, which since the beginning of my school times (minus college of course...) It has been a celebration week of fun, awesome dress up days.
#3. Sweet students like this....
I have a group of boys in Pre-AP that are creating reader's theatre scripts about the origin of babies. They believe babies came from dust bunnies causing women to eat way too much and thus getting a tummy, the babies then shoot out the woman's belly button or crawl out their nose... I can't remember which because a precious student I have in that group and I had our own side convo. I asked a dangerous question.... "How are you going to explain the alien in the tummy feeling and being able to physically see the baby moving on the outside."pause.... wait for the weird comment.... AND... there is none. He says to me, "Well that is interesting, because you know biologically it is weird, but honestly I find the whole idea of pregnancy a very beautiful thing." Say what? This precious boy is going to make one kick ass husband and father some day. What 13 year old boy says things like this?
#4. It's fall/Christmas picture day at daycare on Friday, and I can't wait to see the pictures!!!
#5, I was Hermoine today.... and it was awesome.
I even played Harry Potter soundtrack while the kids worked today... it was epic.
Most of all... I am writing again. I feel snuggly back in my writer skin. Welcome back!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
It's a come back... take 2.
Alright, come back take 2. After reading it, I can't quite come back writing some garbage like that... I am better than that. It seems like writing or doing anything these days besides sleeping the little I get to, and taking care of my darling son is forced. I used to love writing whole heartedly. Now it seems like I have to pull teeth to do it. I guess i'll just start with one thing that makes me real happy.... it's called: "Veggie Tales Fridays"
Veggie Tales Fridays (or any other day I get to pick Jaxon up at 4:15 because I have raced like hell out of school 30 seconds after the bell), are a treasure. I scoop up Jaxon from church and when we come home, we have a snack (puffs or cookies for him, whatever Momma can find for herself goes for me...), log on to Netflix, either by laptop or on the Wii... and choose an episode of Veggie Tales. Here is a glimpse of what happens when the theme song starts chiming...
He LOVES Veggie Tales.... a lot. He just smiles and dances the second Larry and Bob enter the scene. I can replay the magic anytime I want to by smiling big and belting out a.... "If. You. Like. To. Talk. To..... tomatoes! If a squash can make you smile... if you like to waltz with potatoes... up and down the produce aisle...... Have WE gotta show for you!" and he laughs... Veggie Tales not only make my baby boy smile, but it teaches great things and is a christ centered show. Not something you find everyday. The best part is... it ends by saying, God made you special, and he loves you very much! There are some days I need that more than others. It's a little reminder. Here is one of our favorite songs from: "Rack, Shack, and Benny"
It's made a lot of things make sense lately.
So until the writing bug bites again... remember! God made YOU special, and he loves you very much!
It's about time for a comeback...
I am not exactly sure what to say. I've been feeling a little lost as to where to head and what guts I should just spill on the soap box. One thing is for sure.... i'm tired. REAL tired.
I have a Jax-o-lantern.... he's been sick since the fire. It's been way before since the fire since i've written. Sad, because there is so much I could have cataloged that week. It was a nightmare...
The exit to my house...
behind my house...
in the HEB parking lot...
ariel view of the fire...
Where are all the pine trees?
There's a lot of things that just don't make sense to me at the moment; however, one thing is for certain...
This little pumpkin brightens up my day no matter what the drama...
I have a Jax-o-lantern.... he's been sick since the fire. It's been way before since the fire since i've written. Sad, because there is so much I could have cataloged that week. It was a nightmare...
The exit to my house...
behind my house...
in the HEB parking lot...
The fire as shown on a map in the shelters... the + signs are total loss, the hash marks were the fire lines... I was safely tucked in the "backwards C" of the river in the yellow section on the left... BLESSED!
ariel view of the fire...
Where are all the pine trees?
There's a lot of things that just don't make sense to me at the moment; however, one thing is for certain...
This little pumpkin brightens up my day no matter what the drama...
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
abc....
Anxious to start back to school
But I don't want to leave all the Mommy/Jax time I've had this summer
Can't I stay home?
Darn it.... I am not a millionaire
Even if I won the lotto, I think eventually I would get bored.
Fortunately, he has a fab daycare. I am in love with those ladies.
God is good. All the time.
Happy to see some friends tomorrow. It's been awhile.
I am even bringing the J man!
Jaxon will be 6 months tomorrow... My how does time fly.
Kicking some serious cleaning butt while he is at school these days.
Loving every moment with him.
Missing sleep... a lot.
Naps will be the hardest thing to go without when school starts again.
Oh, Starbucks... you rescue me.
Perhaps I should invest in a coffee plant?
Quandary... do they grow in Texas?
Rain. ha... we need rain. I am sure the coffee plants need rain too.
So tired... but can't sleep.
Typing randomness....
Under a sea of comfy covers I need to be.... too bad Jax rolls and crawls. I wish he could snuggle with me tonight. It freaks me out though that he could crash on the floor.
Vino. I need some.
W. The W. Welcome.
Xactly. X is a lonely letter....
You know it is... how many people do you know with an X in their name?.... I do.
Zzzzzzzzz...... night night.
But I don't want to leave all the Mommy/Jax time I've had this summer
Can't I stay home?
Darn it.... I am not a millionaire
Even if I won the lotto, I think eventually I would get bored.
Fortunately, he has a fab daycare. I am in love with those ladies.
God is good. All the time.
Happy to see some friends tomorrow. It's been awhile.
I am even bringing the J man!
Jaxon will be 6 months tomorrow... My how does time fly.
Kicking some serious cleaning butt while he is at school these days.
Loving every moment with him.
Missing sleep... a lot.
Naps will be the hardest thing to go without when school starts again.
Oh, Starbucks... you rescue me.
Perhaps I should invest in a coffee plant?
Quandary... do they grow in Texas?
Rain. ha... we need rain. I am sure the coffee plants need rain too.
So tired... but can't sleep.
Typing randomness....
Under a sea of comfy covers I need to be.... too bad Jax rolls and crawls. I wish he could snuggle with me tonight. It freaks me out though that he could crash on the floor.
Vino. I need some.
W. The W. Welcome.
Xactly. X is a lonely letter....
You know it is... how many people do you know with an X in their name?.... I do.
Zzzzzzzzz...... night night.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Blah.
Blah is the word of the week....
1. My fridge stopped making cool water happiness and ice and lended to a horrid banshee shriek when you pressed the water button....
Solution? An old Sears repairman came-- basically told me I was an idiot for not replacing the filter that I knew existed, but I didn't have a clue where it was located... and p.s. there is also one on the wall connected to the water tubing. Who knew?
We have water, but no ice. Then the icemaker started to work.... but something is up with it. It's exploding water all over the freezer when it makes ice, which has cascaded a splatter ice sculpture all over the door.
2. My air conditioner broke. b-r-o-k-e. bro-ken. There isn't anything else I need to say. It's a record 105+ everyday.... it was 90 in my house. The. end. El Sucko.
3. My baby got a VERY bad tummy bug. When I say bad, I don't mean it lightly. I have been puked on and changed and smelled more poop then I ever care to experience. For a while... a long while. We had to make a VERY scary trip to the ER because he puked more than a drunken sorority chick with alcohol poisoning and went from peachy to corpse white and dehydrated in an hour. His poop test came back today...... positive for Salmonella. What.... the.... F%&^! How does your baby get Salmonella?
My feathers are ruffled. It's time for a tall glass of "Don't ask", followed by an even bigger glass of "homie don't...."
I need some glitter in my life right about........ now.
1. My fridge stopped making cool water happiness and ice and lended to a horrid banshee shriek when you pressed the water button....
Solution? An old Sears repairman came-- basically told me I was an idiot for not replacing the filter that I knew existed, but I didn't have a clue where it was located... and p.s. there is also one on the wall connected to the water tubing. Who knew?
We have water, but no ice. Then the icemaker started to work.... but something is up with it. It's exploding water all over the freezer when it makes ice, which has cascaded a splatter ice sculpture all over the door.
2. My air conditioner broke. b-r-o-k-e. bro-ken. There isn't anything else I need to say. It's a record 105+ everyday.... it was 90 in my house. The. end. El Sucko.
3. My baby got a VERY bad tummy bug. When I say bad, I don't mean it lightly. I have been puked on and changed and smelled more poop then I ever care to experience. For a while... a long while. We had to make a VERY scary trip to the ER because he puked more than a drunken sorority chick with alcohol poisoning and went from peachy to corpse white and dehydrated in an hour. His poop test came back today...... positive for Salmonella. What.... the.... F%&^! How does your baby get Salmonella?
My feathers are ruffled. It's time for a tall glass of "Don't ask", followed by an even bigger glass of "homie don't...."
I need some glitter in my life right about........ now.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
'Da bears...
I am talking about the Bastrop Bears. It's been under wraps, but Daddy Dub recently accepted the assistant boys basketball job there. It's totally an answer to prayer, and opens so many opportunities for our family. Don't worry teacha' friends... I am staying loyal to "The Dubya" for a while.
Do I need to learn a dance to do before the games? Just sayin'.
Da. Bears.
Do I need to learn a dance to do before the games? Just sayin'.
Da. Bears.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Crazy Coupon Lady strikes!!!!
I have a friend who told me about her crazy coupon adventures after watching the show Extreme Couponing . I have seen it as well, and it seemed too good to be true that people were paying basically nothing for their stuff. Well, here in the Austin area of Texas, I have no idea where you could go that doubles and triples coupons like on that show. But I do know-- with a little diligence, you too can save a whole lot of money. The craving for saving money started when I had Jaxon. I knew that being a teacher, and being married to one-- there was going to need to be some corner cutting somewhere if we wanted to continue to live comfortably after all the INSANE day care, diaper, formula, baby food, etc...... costs.
It started this week....
I was tired of trying cheaper diaper brand after diaper brand, only to have to change Jax during the night so his PJ's wouldn't get soaked by the morning. I finally succumbed to a friend's suggestion to try Amazon.com. They have a program called Amazon Mom where you can sign up for free to get diapers on a subscription basis. When you do, you get 30% off the price and free shipping. A diaper fairy! Straight to your door as often as you tell them to.
Check this out....
The Walgreens Experience...
There is a website I was told about as well, called The Krazy Coupon Lady. She has the scoop of everything on sale for the week, where to get it, what coupon to use, where to find it, and how much you will save! It's so awesome for me, because let's be honest... I don't have time to even paint my horrid looking toes much less research coupons. She makes it really easy.
So it starts with a little planning. I had to get a Sunday paper to get the ads, and the coupons, and did a little clipping, and made a list of things to get.
Schick Razor: $8.99
Softsoap body wash: $2.99
Sharpie: .99 X 2 = $1.98
Irish Spring body wash: $3.99
Irish Spring deodorant: $3.99
Optifree contact solution: $15.99
Dry Erase board: $2.99 (This was a purchase needed for the house, not a part of the planned excursion)
Pentel Pens: $1.99
Pilot Pens: $1.99
Summer's Eve body Wash: $4.99
Summer's Eve Feminine Wash (because let's be honest ladies... sometimes the good smelly soap burns when it goes where it isn't supposed to... just trying to take a bath! Right? haha): $4.99
Enfamil Gentlease formula double refill pack: $39.99
Total: $94.87
Some of these were sale items, so the total RETAIL cost is greater. Let's just say $100.
Coupons:
$2 off the razor
$1 off the deodarant
.50 off the Irish Spring body wash
$1.20 off the sharpies
$3 off the contact solution
$1 off the softsoap body wash
$2 off 2 Summer Eve products
$4.99 as a Buy 1 get 1 free off Summer Eve products at Walgreens
$3 off Gentlease formula
$1.00 off the Pilot Pens
$1.30 off the other pens
Coupon Total: $20 off!
I also got $10 in Register Rewards that I used....
and a $5 Enfamil rebate check that I get in the mail to use as a coupon
That's $35!!
So out of pocket today, I spent $55.71 for stuff that would have cost me double. When you pair that with the diapers... I have spent ~$86 this week, for stuff that would have cost $150. I don't know about you, but i'd rather have that extra money in my wallet. True, I don't need the contact solution this week, or the 4 bottles of body wash. BUT it is stuff we use that adds up. It may not happen EVERY week, but it sure does help a sista out.
Praise the Lord and pass the coupons!
It started this week....
I was tired of trying cheaper diaper brand after diaper brand, only to have to change Jax during the night so his PJ's wouldn't get soaked by the morning. I finally succumbed to a friend's suggestion to try Amazon.com. They have a program called Amazon Mom where you can sign up for free to get diapers on a subscription basis. When you do, you get 30% off the price and free shipping. A diaper fairy! Straight to your door as often as you tell them to.
Check this out....
The Walgreens Experience...
There is a website I was told about as well, called The Krazy Coupon Lady. She has the scoop of everything on sale for the week, where to get it, what coupon to use, where to find it, and how much you will save! It's so awesome for me, because let's be honest... I don't have time to even paint my horrid looking toes much less research coupons. She makes it really easy.
So it starts with a little planning. I had to get a Sunday paper to get the ads, and the coupons, and did a little clipping, and made a list of things to get.
Walgreens also has these cool things called "register rewards" that print out from their Catalina Machine (the thingy that spits out the coupons with the receipt most people ignore... I used to. Don't be ashamed...) These are "free bucks" to use for another purchase that you get when you buy what they have on special.
I had to make 2 runs to get it all to be able to use the Register Rewards, but this is what I came home with:
Softsoap body wash: $2.99
Sharpie: .99 X 2 = $1.98
Irish Spring body wash: $3.99
Irish Spring deodorant: $3.99
Optifree contact solution: $15.99
Dry Erase board: $2.99 (This was a purchase needed for the house, not a part of the planned excursion)
Pentel Pens: $1.99
Pilot Pens: $1.99
Summer's Eve body Wash: $4.99
Summer's Eve Feminine Wash (because let's be honest ladies... sometimes the good smelly soap burns when it goes where it isn't supposed to... just trying to take a bath! Right? haha): $4.99
Enfamil Gentlease formula double refill pack: $39.99
Total: $94.87
Some of these were sale items, so the total RETAIL cost is greater. Let's just say $100.
Coupons:
$2 off the razor
$1 off the deodarant
.50 off the Irish Spring body wash
$1.20 off the sharpies
$3 off the contact solution
$1 off the softsoap body wash
$2 off 2 Summer Eve products
$4.99 as a Buy 1 get 1 free off Summer Eve products at Walgreens
$3 off Gentlease formula
$1.00 off the Pilot Pens
$1.30 off the other pens
Coupon Total: $20 off!
I also got $10 in Register Rewards that I used....
and a $5 Enfamil rebate check that I get in the mail to use as a coupon
That's $35!!
So out of pocket today, I spent $55.71 for stuff that would have cost me double. When you pair that with the diapers... I have spent ~$86 this week, for stuff that would have cost $150. I don't know about you, but i'd rather have that extra money in my wallet. True, I don't need the contact solution this week, or the 4 bottles of body wash. BUT it is stuff we use that adds up. It may not happen EVERY week, but it sure does help a sista out.
Praise the Lord and pass the coupons!
Monday, July 25, 2011
The fat lady in the mirror....
I've been hearing some singing around here lately, wondering where it was coming from-- then. I saw her. The fat lady. I knew then that it was over. True, I just gave birth to the most darling little boy on the planet... but last time I checked, we are turning the corner on 6th months (I KNOW! ALREADY!). So, they say... "It took 9 months to put it on, it takes time to get it off..."
Well. I am not much of a waiter.... procrastinator.... hmph! Let's just say I have a PhD in procrastination. I am a PRO, PROcrastinator. The big deal is simply this.... I love food. I love Bacon. I love Beer. I hate working out. The end.
I thought I would resurrect some yoga friends I dumped in January when I got too rotund to do my prenatal yoga comfortably anymore...
She's cute, not too skinny.... and It targets all 3 of my least favorite body parts.... and it is segmented, and I don't have to do them all if I don't want to.
Pushing play on the Wii..................
I'm happy to report I went through the whole thing, and I didn't cuss once. Grunted a little, yes. I am so uber out of shape it isn't even funny. I may just pay a visit tomorrow!........
Because, believe it or not....
I was hot and skinny once.... Before the Freshman 15, Beer, a Wedding and a Baby....
Well. I am not much of a waiter.... procrastinator.... hmph! Let's just say I have a PhD in procrastination. I am a PRO, PROcrastinator. The big deal is simply this.... I love food. I love Bacon. I love Beer. I hate working out. The end.
I thought I would resurrect some yoga friends I dumped in January when I got too rotund to do my prenatal yoga comfortably anymore...
My bff dragonfly yoga mat, and some nifty yoga socks I bought... then forgot about. Hey, don't judge.
I perused the instant Netflix queue to see if there was something I could do, and do quickly-- since Jax doesn't afford me the luxury of much time. There was also a requirement of something not so hard. Not only am I a PROcrastinator, I am also famous for cussing out skinny girls on workout videos and turning them off. I saw this one....
Pushing play on the Wii..................
I'm happy to report I went through the whole thing, and I didn't cuss once. Grunted a little, yes. I am so uber out of shape it isn't even funny. I may just pay a visit tomorrow!........
Because, believe it or not....
I was hot and skinny once.... Before the Freshman 15, Beer, a Wedding and a Baby....
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Can I get a what? what?
Jaxon and I go on many fun excursions to HEB and Walmart during the week. We always never can anticipate quite what we'll run into when we're out. Ya see, we are in a small town outside of Austin. You would think in this little town of less than 6000 people, there would be lots of pick up trucks... farming community right? You would never imagine what we found as we backed out of our parking spot....
If i'm lyin' i'm dyin'..... those are real antlers on the top of that car. I laughed so hard mid back up I had to stop to snap a pic.
Oh..... it gets better......
it. has. a. tail. SHUT UP. A real...... deer..... tail.
Only in this town. Only.
A new beginning...
The block got a serious makeover. There is still much to add. But thanks to the Soup Lady, she's got a great start.....
Did I mention I have a new favorite thing? It's called "baby watching". Yep. It's the sole reason my house looks like a dump and I haven't touched anything on the "to do this summer" list.
See? He just fell asleep.....
So, A. Do I put him in his crib and start doing dishes and other "chores" on "the list"
B. Sit here and hold him, summer is almost over and I won't get to once school starts?
C. Sit here and hold him, because he looks like an angel?
D. Sit here and hold him, because he is growing so fast.... too fast. and I don't want to blink and miss everything.
See the dilemma? While A is the "grown up" answer.... B-D are the ones I usually answer on this quiz. Do I have a whole sink full of dishes.... Yep. Do I care? Nope. Do I have a mountain of laundry piling up? Yes. Do I care? Nope. Before I know it, this little man is going to be just that. A man. It scares me I am going to blink and miss everything. In the mean time, I think I am just going to sit here and baby watch. Because I can.
Did I mention I have a new favorite thing? It's called "baby watching". Yep. It's the sole reason my house looks like a dump and I haven't touched anything on the "to do this summer" list.
See? He just fell asleep.....
So, A. Do I put him in his crib and start doing dishes and other "chores" on "the list"
B. Sit here and hold him, summer is almost over and I won't get to once school starts?
C. Sit here and hold him, because he looks like an angel?
D. Sit here and hold him, because he is growing so fast.... too fast. and I don't want to blink and miss everything.
See the dilemma? While A is the "grown up" answer.... B-D are the ones I usually answer on this quiz. Do I have a whole sink full of dishes.... Yep. Do I care? Nope. Do I have a mountain of laundry piling up? Yes. Do I care? Nope. Before I know it, this little man is going to be just that. A man. It scares me I am going to blink and miss everything. In the mean time, I think I am just going to sit here and baby watch. Because I can.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers...
Or you could say, Jenn and Jax jujed up generous jars of majestic (pickled awesomeness). Ok... so I messed up the alliteration a tad. Who cares?
Let me start off my saying that the ladies in pioneer days weren't chumps my friends. Pickling greatness takes a lot of time and attention to the task. Something that is very difficult when also wrangling a 19 week old solo.
Daddy Woodall is coaching basketball camp this week, and I thought I would take a break from the monotony of house cleaning and trashy TV train wrecks to embark on a little domestication. I super heart making pickles, especially of the bread and butter variety, in the summer time. Here is how today's effort ensued....
You must first obtain a Soux Chef. Their job is to ensure that the chef stays on task and helps as needed. Our Soux Chef is still in training, so he manned the Pooh bouncer chair on the island and supervised. Here is is having a pickle making meeting with Mr. Banana.
The Soux Chef has called it quits on the project.... lights out.
Once all layers have been formed, pour distilled water over them to just cover the veggies. Then take a 2 hour break... (you see I have added some slices of Jalapeno. It is an attempt to add a little zing to this batch... we'll see what happens...)
Sterilize the jars and let them sit out until you are ready, watch "True Life: I have Tourettes" On MTV. (WOW... what a train wreck.)
After 2 hours, rinse the veggies good and let them drain well.
Get the pots rumblin' again...
make sure Soux Chef is still entertained, as this is a long process and cannot be stopped at this moment. Once the syrup gets going, you have to be committed until it's jarring time.
Mr. Bird is doing the trick....
Boil means go time!
add veggies and heat for 3 minutes...
An angry Soux Chef..
A really angry Soux Chef....
at this point he is telling me where I can shove my jars and canning equipment....
ladle into the hot jars, using this fancy tool to make sure there are no bubbles...
making sure to leave 1/2" head space in the jar. Again, use this fancy tool to measure...
Apply hot lids and rings...
Yep... those are real tears.... He is P-I-S-S-E-D.
All the jars are filled.... rapidly to the screams of the Soux Chef...
Kisses to the Soux Chef to make him all better....
30 minutes later they are ready for removal!
Now you have to sit and wait while hearing the "pop! pop!" of the lids...
Out.... This canning stuff is rough!
Cheers! Hoping your pickles (and mine) turn out great!
Recipe:
15-18 Pickling Cucumbers (You MUST use the pickling cucumbers, you cannot use regular salad ones.)
2-3 medium onions. (I use sweet ones)
1/2 C. of Pickling Salt
2-3 qts of distilled water
3 C sugar
2 C distilled white vinegar
2C Cider vinegar
2 tsp of mustard seeds
1tsp celery seed
1 tsp of turmeric
The recipe book page and detailed instructions can be found by clicking here.
Let me start off my saying that the ladies in pioneer days weren't chumps my friends. Pickling greatness takes a lot of time and attention to the task. Something that is very difficult when also wrangling a 19 week old solo.
Daddy Woodall is coaching basketball camp this week, and I thought I would take a break from the monotony of house cleaning and trashy TV train wrecks to embark on a little domestication. I super heart making pickles, especially of the bread and butter variety, in the summer time. Here is how today's effort ensued....
You must first obtain a Soux Chef. Their job is to ensure that the chef stays on task and helps as needed. Our Soux Chef is still in training, so he manned the Pooh bouncer chair on the island and supervised. Here is is having a pickle making meeting with Mr. Banana.
Pots must be collected and water starting to boil. The pot on the right is my "canning processing" pot. It is a cheapo Tamale/Stock pot I got a long time ago at Wal-Mart for around $10. You will see some recipes call for fancy water canning pots... This will suffice. Laura Ingalls Wilder did not have a fancy canning device. The one on the back left burner is a pot to sterilize jars as well as process later. The one in the front left burner is an enamalized aluminum pot I use exclusively for making jams and pickles. It too is a cheapo.
Sterilize jars in boiling water..
Collect all necessary ingredients (I later realized I needed to make a vinegar run after seeing my Cider vinegar was expired and the white vinegar was my "cleaning" vinegar at 9% acidity... You need 5% for this job.) The cukes have already been scrubbed and rinsed 3 times.
Strap on the Soux Chef Papoose style (thanks Baby K'tan!) Because he is getting restless in the Pooh chair...
Slice cukes 1/4 inch thin. You will need 2 qts. Slice onions thin in quarters. You will need 1 qt.
layer them in a non metallic bowl, separating each layer with pickling salt (the recipe calls for 1/2 c.)
Once all layers have been formed, pour distilled water over them to just cover the veggies. Then take a 2 hour break... (you see I have added some slices of Jalapeno. It is an attempt to add a little zing to this batch... we'll see what happens...)
Sterilize the jars and let them sit out until you are ready, watch "True Life: I have Tourettes" On MTV. (WOW... what a train wreck.)
After 2 hours, rinse the veggies good and let them drain well.
Get the pots rumblin' again...
Get your spices together! This includes sugar.
Combine 3 C sugar, 2 tsp of mustard seed, 1tsp of celery seed and 1 tsp of turmeric in the pot. Along with this add 2 C of white vinegar and 2 C of cider vinegar.
I also added a little dash of Cayenne... because I can.
Stir well until sugar is dissolved and then bring to a boil...
Mr. Bird is doing the trick....
add veggies and heat for 3 minutes...
An angry Soux Chef..
A really angry Soux Chef....
at this point he is telling me where I can shove my jars and canning equipment....
ladle into the hot jars, using this fancy tool to make sure there are no bubbles...
making sure to leave 1/2" head space in the jar. Again, use this fancy tool to measure...
Apply hot lids and rings...
Yep... those are real tears.... He is P-I-S-S-E-D.
All the jars are filled.... rapidly to the screams of the Soux Chef...
Into the jar spa they go, to process for 30 minutes...
30 minutes later they are ready for removal!
Now you have to sit and wait while hearing the "pop! pop!" of the lids...
Out.... This canning stuff is rough!
Cheers! Hoping your pickles (and mine) turn out great!
Recipe:
15-18 Pickling Cucumbers (You MUST use the pickling cucumbers, you cannot use regular salad ones.)
2-3 medium onions. (I use sweet ones)
1/2 C. of Pickling Salt
2-3 qts of distilled water
3 C sugar
2 C distilled white vinegar
2C Cider vinegar
2 tsp of mustard seeds
1tsp celery seed
1 tsp of turmeric
The recipe book page and detailed instructions can be found by clicking here.
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