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.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
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.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
unfathomable love
I attended a dear friend's son's funeral today. I admired how strong she was through it all, I can't imagine what it would feel like to lose a baby... She is truly living any mother's worst nightmare. The moment I got to embrace her she brought everything crashing to a reality for me. "Hug Jaxon for me," she whispered, "hold him tight every day and don't ever let go." You bet I did girlfriend. If you know me well enough, you know me and Jesus have a morning coffee visit (as my Nanny would say) before school. As we visited this morning, we talked about my friend. I asked him to comfort her, to soothe her pain, to cradle her in his arms when she feels broken, to bring her joy in knowing her little boy is hanging out with him for lunchtime. There is peace in that. Faith is believing the unbelievable-- and having it is the only way I know how to make it through something like this.
I cherish moments like this a little more these days... Because like hers, my angel is here on borrowed time, as we all are.
Father God,
Keep my angel close by you and keep him safe.
Today, Tomorrow, always...
Surround him with protection every day of his life,
and the day he grows wings and flies away from me,
bring him home to me safe.
Be with my precious friend Michelle and heal her pain,
help her to have peace beyond all understanding Lord,
Only you know the plan for each and every one of us, and
while we may not know all the answers,
help us to remember that you have our best interest at heart.
Amen.
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