L-O-R, (why? because I love ya) T-A-B, M-O-U-S-E

I took a total of 9 pills this morning.

3 acetaminophen

3 ibuprofen

1 multi-vitamin

1 Prevacid (to counteract the Ibuprofen)

1 Amoxicillin

I have a bad tooth. I went to the dentist yesterday and he took x-rays. He could not see an abscess, but he scheduled an appointment with an endodontist and sent me on my merry way with scripts for Amoxicillin and Lortab. Ah, Lortab.

I slept well last night.

I see the endodontist next Tuesday. I'm praying that the tooth miraculously heals itself by then so I can avoid (doom doom doom)

THE ROOT CANAL

I had one on the tooth right beside this bad tooth back when Quinn was a babe. That was 8 years ago. When the doctor put the needle into the nerve to numb it, I thought I was going to kick him in the head. Worse than childbirth.

I wonder if I can get a whole body epidural for this. Hm. I asked for laughing gas last time, but he doesn't do that for root canals.

Sadist.

I'm not looking forward to April 5th.

But, on a lighter note, if that's all that's currently wrong with me, I'm doing alright. There are a lot worse things I could be suffering from.

And a laugh from Quinn:

"Why do you hear 'doom doom, doom doom, doom doom" when you're about to get eaten by a shark?"

"'Cause you're doomed."

I'll be here all week. Tip your waitresses!

I'd Prefer a Root Canal, Please

I had an ear infection a few weeks back. It cleared up (mostly) with antibiotics, but I had some fluid on my ear so I did a round of Prednisone.

As soon as I finished the last dose of steroids, I started having bad pain in my teeth and extreme sensitivity to hot and cold. I feared the worst.

Root canal.

I saw my dentist on Wednesday.

It is not an abscessed tooth, thank God.

Though, a root canal might be preferable in this situation, because it is something I could have done to end the pain.

No such luck.

Know what the dentist said?

I clench my jaw too much.

His remedy was....

.....wait for it.....

....ELIMINATE STRESS......

I hear you laughing. Don't worry. I was laughing, too.

My dentist knows me. He knows I have four children. He knows I homeschool.

I think he was trying to be funny when he said I needed to get rid of stress.

Easy for him to say.

I wish I needed a root canal.

Today.... was Monday

Today.

Was.
Monday.

I would've been able to tell even if I'd awakened from a 10-year coma.

I should've gone to Curves today. I didn't. Alarm went off. I hit the off button. I went back to sleep.

I got dressed. I ventured into the kitchen and found Lillian and Quinn in the middle of a showdown over Life. The cereal, not the existence.

Lillian had gotten the box of Life from the pantry, placed it on the counter and then gone to answer the call of nature.

Quinn got up, saw the cereal on the counter, and poured himself a bowl.

Not a problem normally, but today there was just enough Life for one person.

Meltdown in 3....2.....1.....

"QUINN! That's MY LIFE!"

And it went downhill from there, wrapping up with a tantrum (Lillian), a wound (Quinn, the result of a scratch from Lillian) and the repeated screaming of the phrase, "I WANT LIFE! I WANT LIFE! I WANT LIFE!" (Lillian).

She settled for Cap'n Crunch.

I had an online teacher conference to attend at 9 am today. Went to my office around 8:45 to log into the session and make sure everything was good to go.

Not.

My computer wouldn't connect to the internet. At 5 'til 9, my husband, fresh from the shower, got me connected through an alternate (slower!) connection. It worked, but it was spotty. I think I got the gist of what I needed to know, though. Maybe. We'll see.

Started school with the kids after the meeting. Aiden is having a hard time with math. Not doing the problems - writing them on notebook paper. Since kindergarten he's always done math in a workbook. This year he has a hardback book that he can't write in, so he has to write the problem on the paper, work the problem, showing his work and getting an answer. My son LOVES shortcuts. He's very smart and doesn't understand W*H*Y he has to show his work. He just wants to do the problems in his head and write the answers on the page. No can do. I have to send in samples of his work every 6 weeks, so I REALLY need him to do it the right way. It's a daily battle. Today was no exception.

Lunch break. Thank goodness for Papa John's.

During lunch Camryn's friend B. called to report on her first day of school. Camryn is happy with the decision to be homeschooled, but she did get wistful at B's description of an "awesome" new day (with 6 new classmates! Last year there were 3 kids total in Camryn's class - and Camryn was 1 of the 3!) B's call definitely put a damper on Camryn's day. I felt her pain. I miss "old school" and all of our friends. It was bittersweet seeing my friends post their First Day pics on Facebook. My heart is still at the kids' old school, but I know that home school is definitely where God wants us right now.

Once school was over we all piled into the van and took off for Target. I needed bean bag chairs for the school room so the kids can have a comfy spot to sit, relax and read or do work when they get tired of being at their desks. I had that and 2 other things on my Target list. Oh, and the boys raided their money buckets and decided to spend their savings while we were shopping. They actually agreed to combine their funds and buy one new Wii game.

----> MOM BURSTING WITH PRIDE.

We hadn't been in the store 5 minutes when Lillian knocked a display hair dryer off the shelf while I was halfway down the aisle looking at hair straighteners with Camryn.

I turned around to see a stranger scowling at my children. She picked up the hair dryer before I could get to Lillian. I apologized, but I couldn't erase the lady's scowl.

Walk away. Just walk away.

Find and pile 4 bean bags on top of my cart. Proceed to nip the children's heels with the buggy because vision is obstructed by 4 huge bean bags.

Smooth move, Ex Lax.

Pull the pink bean bag off the top of the pile and make Lillian carry it. Get in her face and make sure she knows the plagues that will befall her if she dares to SWING THE BEAN BAG.

Stop every five minutes to remind Lillian not to SWING THE BEAN BAG.

(Laugh when she plops the bean bag in the floor and lays on it when the boys take F-O-R-*FREAKING*E-V-E-R to choose a video game.)

Cry when Aiden chooses his own video game and leaves Quinn with 20 bucks to buy a Wii game that costs $49.99.

Do a jig when Quinn finally settles on a Matchbox helicopter in lieu of the Wii game he cannot afford ("NO YOU CANNOT GET THAT $50 game because MOMMY DOES NOT ISSUE CREDIT!")

Lay down in the floor, kicking and pounding my fists on the concrete upon realizing that the helicopter I have just approved MAKES NOISE.

Always look for noise before agreeing on toy purchases. It's the #4 rule of parenting.

Leave Target.

An hour later.

For a 3 item list.

$243 poorer.

For a 3 item list.

("A 3 item list... a 3 item list..." Remind you of Gilligan's Island? Would it be so awful to be stranded in a place where Marianne makes you coconut cream pies every day? Lovey?)

Hubs met us in the parking lot at Target and we went to dinner.

Quinn knocked over my tea before I even had a chance to Splendafy it.

The waitress brought Camryn's sandwich to the table with mayonnaise on it. Shudder.

Our server got a nice tip tonight, because after she saw the kids behaving the way they did (after we said the blessing), I figured she didn't need to think we were cheap, too.

Home.

Shower.

Carrot cake.

Miss Universe.

Monday (almost) over.

Tuesday's on the way.

Sock It To Me

So yesterday I was snuggling Lillian in my bed.

And then she went wacko crazy.

And I asked her to leave my bed, because she was being way too loud and silly.

But before she left I said, "Lillian - please hand me my TV remote."

And she did.

She handed it to my left eye at about 10 mph.

And I was such a good mother and politely asked her to leave (at least that's how it happened in my memory. I actually think I yelled at her to GET OUT OF MY ROOM! but at least I didn't curse.)

And I have my first black (well, really greyish bluish) eye.

And it hurts to smile.

Sigh.

Greetings from Lobsterland

Good morning, peeps.

It's been awhile, I know. My heartfelt apologies.

But I'm here now. I didn't forget you.

It'sjustthatlifehasbeensobusylately.

Saturday Camryn fell down 3 stairs and by Monday she couldn't walk. Conveniently, the "it's so hard to walk!" complaint came on PE day. Hmmm.

Cancelled my own podiatrist appointment so I'd have time to take the cripple to the doctor. She had inflamed muscles around her butt bones. Anaprox worked wonders. Off to Costco.

I must admit, the girl is a great Costco companion. Ay, que bueno! (There are pictures on my iPhone that explain that statement, but it's downstairs and I'm upstairs. And it's 8:15 on a Sunday morning. And sorry, I'm not going down to get them, no matter how bad you whine. Deal.)

A buggy full of goodies later, we were excused from Costco. What can I say. It was sample day. So what that I already had 3 jars of jelly in the pantry. It was grape. The kindly grandma was demo-ing strawberry. It had chunks of fruit in it. It made that cracker sing. So I bought 2 jars (You have to. They're handcuffed together so that you must purchase both fugitive jams.)

The rest of Monday is a haze of picking up children from school and trying to force all of the Costco purchases into nooks and crannies in the freezer and pantry. If ever there was a time for a natural disaster that confined us to our homes for a couple of months, this is it. 'Cause I'm stocked up, baby. Stocked UP.

Tuesday brought frustration. I am the chair of the TAC (teacher appreciation committee) at the kids' school. We have regular meetings the first Tuesday of each month. I sent out a reminder email reiterating the importance of April's meeting (planning teacher appreciation week for the first week in May). I had 2 people (of about 15 or so) show. So frustrating. People just don't care, I guess. The three of us in attendance planned the week anyway. My faithfuls got their pick of things to bring/do and the rest of the ladies will be assigned things. That's the way the cookie crumbles.

Tuesday night we headed to FPU (Financial Peace University) at our church. I love Dave Ramsey and am excited to see how his teachings are changing the lives of people in our church. We're on week 7 of 13. I cannot lie and say I'll be sad when we hit week 13. It's a struggle to get everyone home, check homework, get lunches made, eat dinner and be at the church by 6 pm. We don't get home until 9 pm. I know we signed up for this, but I want my Tuesday nights back.

Wednesday was a great day. Went on a field trip with Quinn and his sweet class. We ate a picnic at Falls Park and then enjoyed a performance of Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type at the Gunther Theater. I love our downtown. So picturesque. Here are a few pictures:

Good times, good times.

Thursday I did little to nothing. I spent some Gymbucks at Gymboree.com, tried (in vain) to figure out what's making the freezer stay open just enough to form icicles along the top of the door, saw dark clouds in the sky and prayed that rain would cancel soccer practice (it did!), and went to Copper River for dinner with the fam. There might've been a load of laundry or two. I can't remember. Oh, and I scheduled myself a mammo for next week. A hump day treat, if you will. Yeah, yeah. I know it's a mammogram, but I figured if I shortened it like mani and pedi it might make it sound like fun. "I'm having a mammo on Wednesday!"

Yeah.

Nah.

Then there's Friday. Ah, Friday. TGIF. I had my rescheduled date with the podiatrist. He shaved some gunk off my heel and left me hobbled. No big deal. I ate a Chick-Fil-A sandwich on a WHEAT bun for lunch. I was proud of myself for going wheat. I negated the wheat choice that night at dinner. Date night. Melting Pot. Yum. Went home stuffed. In bed early. Snore.

Saturday was a long one. Took the kids to their school to perform at the Heritage Festival. Planned on staying just until after Lillian performed (12:15) but with the kids scattered in all different directions (bouncy house! popcorn! huge mound of dirt to play on! horses to ride! goats to feed!) I lingered. We headed home around 3:30. Although I managed to sunscreen 3 of the children (Camryn, being 12, is responsible for her own sun protection), I forgot myself.

Just call me Lobster Arms. Or Lobster Nose. Or Lobster Neck. Or, just combine the word Lobster with any part of the anatomy that's exposed to the sun when you're clothed in jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. I'll answer to any of them.

Ouch.

But overall it was a good week. A normal, sane, too-much-fighting-in-the-car kind of week. I'll take it.

Now, there are 5 pounds of hamburger, conveniently formed into patties, in my fridge, begging for me to do something with them already. To my right there's a cat begging for some treats that are hidden in my desk. If you'll excuse me, life calls.

Seacrest out.

Simple Pleasures

Saturdays
peanut m&ms (scored on 75% off clearance!)
Bily Joel on the iPod

Life is good. Life is too good.

Resolutions

So I was going to tell you yesterday about something that happened on Monday, but rabbits were chased and another blog came out of that and I didn't get to share Monday's event with you.

It's really not earth-shattering. It's just a thing that made me cock my head to the side and say, "Hmmmm.... neat!" I thought I'd share it.

Bear with me while I share a little about our neighborhood, because it is pertinent to my story.....
The neighborhood was built with two separate sides at first, even though the developers had plans to make the two sides part of the same development. There just happened to be a deep, deep mega ditch (for lack of better words) between the two sides, so one builder started on one side and several builders started building our side. Late last year the bridge connecting the two sides was finally finished. That created a great link between two major roads and a super stretch of road for people to take walks. We get a lot of walkers that park on one side or the other and jog or stroll for exercise.

I had dropped the children off at school and had entered our neighborhood from the side that's further from my house. As I topped the hill approaching the entrace to our side of the development, I spotted a mom and her son walking. Not unusual and normally they wouldn't even register on my radar. But.... Monday it was just starting to rain. If it was me, I'd hate to be walking in the rain.

I actually drove past the pair at first, but then remembered my New Year's pledge to be more relationally involved. It was barely drizzling, so I felt foolish offering protection when it was barely raining, but I thought, "What the heck. I'll offer her an umbrella, because it might start pouring at any second."

I turned the car around and rolled down the window. I asked the lady if she was finishing her walk. She said that they were halfway through; they had parked on the far side of the neighborhood and were a long way from their car. I held the umbrella out to her and told her she could keep it. She thanked me and said, "New Year's Resolutions, you know?" Now, she meant that HER resolution was to start exercising and wouldn't you know it would start raining on the first morning of her new plan to exercise. BUT... the way she said it meant something different to me. She didn't know that MY resolution had to be more attentive to the needs of others and that by helping her keep her promise to exercise, I was keeping my promise to give more of myself and my possessions. Cool, huh?

The lady wouldn't keep my umbrella, so she ended up leaving it at the clubhouse door near her car. I picked it up that afternoon on my way home with the kids. It was still soaked from the morning, so I guess she did end up needing it after all. And I'm glad I could help.

About Yesterday...

December 5, 2008: Not a day I want to repeat.

I shared in yesterday's blog about my desire to find Oliver a new home. Camryn has been fighting Oliver's departure ever since we told her that him staying with us was impossible. There has been much weeping and gnashing of teeth, as you can imagine. I think I was hoping something would magically click and all would be right with the cats and their relationships with one another, but alas, it did not. The last straw for me came yesterday.

I came home from dropping off Camryn and Aiden at school and went around checking everyone's rooms for laundry that needed to be done. I was also closing the bedroom doors behind me to prepare to let Oliver out (there seemed to be less likelihood of Beeson and Annabelle pooping and peeing in protest of Oliver if the bedroom doors were shut.)

In Lillian's room I was straightening her comforter when I found a big, dried cat pee spot. She's been sleeping under a dried up cat urine spot for who knows how long. I lost it. Quinn's comforter had suffered a similar fate earlier in the week and I'd had to wash it for the umpteenth time (it seemed to be a favorite target!)

I threw the comforter in the washing machine and starting crying hysterically. Stress reliever, I guess. I never let Oliver out of the bathroom. I was too mad at him, even though I knew it wasn't him that had actually done the peeing. I also knew at that moment that yesterday would be the last day with Oliver. I was determined to find him SOMEWHERE to be by the end of the day.

My husband finally got in touch with the vet tech that had promised to take Oliver if he ended up not working out for us. She told him to have Oliver at the office by 6 pm and she'd foster him and find him a new home (that's what she does). Hubby and I agreed that Camryn would need to say goodbye before he went, so I put him in the cat carrier and took him with me to pick up Quinn and Lillian, then I checked Camryn and Aiden out of school around 2:30.

Camryn knew something was up when I showed up before 3 pm. I didn't know how to tell her about what was about to transpire, so I just blurted it out on the way to the car. She, of course, starting sobbing. I let her hold Oliver on the drive from the school to the vet's office, and then we all sat in the car, crying, and said goodbye to Oliver.

I knew it would be a hard, hard thing to do, and I knew Camryn would be so very heartbroken, but what I didn't expect was Aiden's reaction. He was crying almost as hard as Camryn was, except he was doing it quietly in the back seat. I was so focused on how Camryn would take the news that I never envisioned how Aiden would take it. We were a sad, sad sight sitting in the van in the parking lot.

Finally Camryn summoned the courage to get out of the van. She and I walked Oliver into the office and waited to see April, Oliver's new foster mom. She told Camryn that she is very picky about the people she lets adopt her foster kitties, and that she would find Oliver the perfect new family. I know that soothed Camryn's heart a little, but it still hurt so badly to say goodbye. I was trying to be tough, but I was choking back sorrow, too. As we left the office, Camryn starting crying loudly. Man, it was a dagger to my heart. She hasn't cried like that since her Harry died last February, and I hope I never hear that kind of choking sob from her again (but I know I will, and it will most likely be a B-O-Y that makes it happen. I hate him already.)

Before we left yesterday April did mention that she has a few orange tabby foster kittens that are around 6-8 weeks old. She said she'd consider it a fair trade if we wanted to come back next week and take home one of the kittens. Camryn's eyes lit up like light bulbs. I'm hesitant, but April said a kitten will more likely to be accepted by Beeson and Annabelle. Oliver was just too old and had too dominant a "personality" to fit into our kitty family. She encouraged us to try again, and after discussing it with my husband it was decided that we will.

Yeah, I know.

Holy Stockings, Batman!

That is what I deal with every week. I'm not sure how many are usually in the pile, but it's my job to sort and pair them with their respective mates. I had about 8 unmated socks in this load. About once a month or so I go into each child's sock drawer and pair up the singles.

This is my life.

Sock sorter and pairer.

Just another job in a long list of things I do for these wonderful people with whom I live.

(I got a degree for this?!?)

One For the Books

Is it Monday or what? Sheesh!

The kids did well with the time change on Sunday morning. We were allowed to sleep a little later than usual, so that was nice. But this morning, they were up at 6:15ish. Good grief! I didn't sleep well because our normal (heavier) comforter was in the wash... either the new cat or Annabelle (in retalliation for the presence of the new cat) peed on our bed on Sunday night. So I had that going for me...

Took the kids to school and came home to get ready for shopping day. I just had Lillian with me this morning, so I planned a 4-stop outing (say it with me, Dora style...) Bank, CVS, Publix, Ingles. Bank, CVS, Publix, Ingles. Catchy little ditty.

The bank was the only thing that went smoothly today. The teller has a new goatee & mustache. He's lookin' fly.

CVS was next. I did well there, scoring $100+ worth of stuff for right around $50. The cashier didn't have change for my $100, so she asked if I had smaller bills. I found just enough to pay her and left.

Publix went okay. I couldn't find the smaller size of Pizza Rolls that are on sale (buy one, get one free) this week. No biggie. I couldn't find the canned biscuits, either, and I left my coupons for Green Giant Steamers in the car. At the register I asked about the biscuits and the smart-arse cashier told me I must be blind 'cause they're right there along the back wall. 'K, jerk. Then he proceeded to scrutinize every coupon I gave him like I was stealing. I HATE THAT.

So I paid and went to the car, loaded those groceries, got my missing coupons, went back inside and bought 2 cans of Grands biscuits and 4 bags of vegetables. Total: $2 (a different cashier wouldn't take off the full amount of the coupons, which were $1 each, because the veggies were only ringing up at $.89. I was kicking myself, because if those had been mixed in with all the other groceries he wouldn't have noticed. GRRR.)

It was at that moment that I realized I didn't see the $100 that I had tried to pay with at CVS in my wallet. My cash wallet has different pockets for different budget categories, so it was possible I'd tucked it into another pocket. I just knew it wasn't in the grocery pocket when I tried to pay at Publix.

Back to CVS I went. Talked to the cashier. She called the manager, who very politely and thoroughly did everything he could to find my money. It wasn't there, but he was so kind about it. He went through every drawer and looked everywhere before telling me it just wasn't there. He was just so very nice. A true gentleman, indeed. He took my name and number and said if they come up over by $100 he'll call me. I felt bad for wasting his time, but I would've second guessed myself if I hadn't gone back to ask.

Whew. After CVS we went back home to drop off groceries before heading back to Ingles. Got those things put away and took off back out the door. Stopped by Dollar General to get hangers, because we're short (again!) because these kids keep needing new clothes. How does that happen?!?! Some redneck was making a huge hillbilly fuss in the store, so I got my hangers and got outta there fast. It didn't sound like the argument was going to end well.

I had just walked in the door at Ingles when my cell buzzed. It was the lunch lady from the older kids' school. Even though I placed their lunch order last night online, it hadn't shown up so she was wondering if they had just forgotten their lunches or if indeed I had meant to order them something. I set things straight with her and started shopping. Lillian was her usual chatty (loud, singing, noisy) self, which was driving me batty. I got to the register, and the cashier told me that due to their new internet coupon policy (enacted by the manager that morning) she could only take off $.99 for each printed coupon over $1. HUH? I asked to see that policy in writing. She couldn't produce it, so she called over the manager. He threw his hands in the air and said, "I don't have to show it to you! If you want to complain, call corporate!" I did just that as I drove away from the store. I left a message, but no one has called me back (I emailed about an hour ago and got a quick response that basically told me I was right... ha!)

As I was putting up the groceries from Ingles (while trying to simultaneously make dinner for a family of 7 from the kids' school whose 10 week-old baby has been sick) my husband called. He picks Quinn up on Mondays, takes him to lunch and drops him off at my mother-in-law's house. Well, except for today. I could hear Quinn crying in the background because his throat hurt so badly. I had to gather up medicine for Quinn, wait for my casseroles to finish cooking, get Lillian in the car, pick up Quinn, then go out to pick up Aiden and Camryn and drop off the dinner for the family.

Deep breath.

I'm finally home now. A homemade dinner is iffy, which I hate, because I know I just bought a bunch of food. I just have ZERO energy left to cook. Pizza Inn buffet sounds so good right now.

UPDATE: While I was writing this, I got a phone call from the Ingles district manager. He said he'd talked to the store manager and set him straight about the way he treated me AND the actual coupon policy. He said that the coupon policy will now be posted in each store AND they're sending me a $20 gift card for my trouble. Woo hoo! How's that for handling a situation quickly? Color me impressed!

And still, after all that, I can say it wasn't an awful day. People who really had bad days would laugh out loud if I described my day as bad. I didn't lose a loved one today. My house was not foreclosed on. None of my children has a terminal illness. My husband still has a job. I'm not disabled. I have great friendships. My bills get paid every month. I'm blessed. Beyond blessed. And I'm grateful for it.

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. Psalm 34:1
3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:3-4

Wow, What a Week!

Life has gotten a lot busier lately. I don't know what it is, but it just seems like I'm always on the go. I need life to s-l-o-w down a bit. I feel like I haven't had enough time to breathe!

On Monday, Quinn was sick. That pushed the things on my to-do list to Tuesday (Aha, that might be where it started...) I still haven't caught up, but I'm paddling like crazy to get there. I helped Aiden get his animal research project finished up this week (which included helping him fill out a research questionnaire and making a trip to the library) and aided Camryn in studying for a huge science test she had. There's laundry coming out my ears (what's new there) and I had to get the house straightened up enough for the cleaning lady to clean today (so glad she comes every other week! I look forward to her visits, because the house always smells like pine scented Lysol after she leaves, the boys' bathroom no longer smells like pee and we have clean sheets on our beds!)

I have accomplished a ton this week, but I still have to:

• make a board for the older kids' school book fair
• finish gathering/trimming/counting Campbell's labels to submit
• fill out some paperwork (it's a thick packet... I hate paperwork!)
• Call my GYN for my yearly appointment (got a reminder card this week)
• Get Lillian's size 5 winter clothes out of the basement, wash and hang them
• Clean out Lillian's winter clothes that are too small so I have room (and hangers!) for the "new" stuff
• Put together goodie boxes for next weekend's retreat
• Gather my secret pal stuff for my retreat
• Do all my power layouting for the retreat so I know what I'm taking and working on (though at this point it would seriously be nice just to go up there and sleep all weekend!)
• Pack for the retreat (I think my fellow retreaters would appreciate me being clothed...)

In the middle of all of that I've been running around town shopping like a mad fool, trying to get all these good deals I've read about (aha #2!) I can't let the savings go to waste!

Today's trip was to Publix (after I left Quinn's class at the Pumpkin patch, my 2nd trip this week.. Aiden's class trip was cancelled last week due to rain, so he went yesterday instead. That's 2 pumpkin patches in 2 days... 4 bags of apples and 4 baby pumpkins, 2 hayless hayrides (thank goodness... aaah-choo!), plus lots of "pat the bunnies" and goats eating corn out of my hand... fun stuff!)

But back to Publix...

I found the Publix deals here. I tried to resist, but once I added it all up and determined what I needed and what I had coupons for, I couldn't resist. I ended up spending $58.99 (with tax), and here's what I got:

4 bags Baby Ruth miniatures ($2/bag after coupons)
5 bags Fast Fixins chicken products ($2/bag after coupons)
3 boxes Hamburger Helper ($2.25 for all 3)
7 boxes Frosted Mini Wheats cereal ($1/box after coupons)
2 boxes Apple Jacks ($1.15/box after coupons)
1 box Corn Pops ($1.15/box after coupons)
1 box Froot Loops ($1.15/box after coupons)
1 box Smart Balance Butter Blend sticks ($.80 after coupon)
1 box Farm Rich French Toast Sticks ($.90 after coupon)
1 canister Lysol wipes ($1.75 after coupon)
2 cans squirtable Cool Whip ($1.50 each after coupon)
2 packages Mott's Applesauce (6 pk) ($2.77 for both after coupon)
2 bottles Mott's Apple Juice ($1.50 each after coupon)
1 box Kashi frozen waffles (FREE after coupon)
4 boxes Uncle Ben's Rice ($2.66 for all 4 after coupons)
2 packages Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies ($1.50 each after coupons)

I also bought a large bag of marshmallows ($1.89), a bottle of lemon extract ($1.69) and a carton of whipping cream ($2.49) for a dessert I'm making tonight (something I got from Real Mom Kitchen. See the recipe below.)

Marshmallow Graham Dessert

1 package (16 ounces) large marshmallows
2 cups milk
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups whipping cream, whipped
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted

In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt marshmallows and milk. Remove from the heat. Cool, stirring occasionally. Stir in extract. Fold in pineapple and whipped cream. Combine cracker crumbs and butter. Press 1-1/2 cups into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. pan. Spread with the pineapple mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving. Yield: 12-16 servings.

I love getting deals. My kids go through those Mini Wheats, too (they like cereal in their lunchboxes, and I give it to them as a snack... without milk.) The register receipt said I'd saved over $96. I also got a raincheck for another 4 bags of candy (I have 2 more coupons, and they had no more bags!) With all the class parties, goodie bags and Trick or Treating coming up, that candy will be gone in no time. Can't beat that deal.

I also love going to Publix. I haven't shopped there in a LOOOOOONG time because it's just not close to the house, but I miss it. The store is clean, things are clearly marked (which helps when there is a lot of sale stuff to buy!) and the employees are SUPER DUPER friendly. I wish Publix was closer.

I'm about to head out the door to get Quinn and Lillian, then to Staples for more ink (printing all those coupons has used up my ink! Lucky for me it's cheap ink!) Then I'll head out to get the older 2 kids, help with homework and then start dinner. There's a lawyer coming to the house for us to sign papers (we refinanced our mortgage down to 5.1% and we have to close on that tonight) then MIL is coming for dinner. After that I need to start working on that Book Fair board (it's "due" tomorrow!)

For Today, 9/22/08

Outside my Window... I see grass that needs to be cut. I wonder when Mr. Fred is coming back to cut it?

I am thinking... that these Pringles are stale.

From the learning rooms... hmmm.... not sure I'm learning anything right now... at least nothing I'm conscious of learning.

I am thankful for... cooler weather!

From the kitchen... I need to BBQ something this week, because hubby just found my stash of Tony Roma's BBQ sauce that I ordered from Amazon for almost nothing. He didn't see the box of German Chocolate cake mixes on the floor, but I need to start using those up, too.

I am wearing... jeans (yea for it being cool enough for jeans!) and a dark brown shirt that says "Sweet & Southern" on the front and "Sweet and Southern just like my tea" on the back.

I am reading... The Gettysburg Diaries by Mark Nesbitt and Song Yet Sung by James McBride.

I am creating... my Disney scrapbooks... still not finished, but not for lack of trying. I have to cut back on the number of pictures I take on our trips, but it's so hard! I want to remember it all!

I am hearing... "Go Diego, Go!" on the TV and the hum of the computer's CPU.

Around the house... laundry. Always laundry. I need to clean the playroom, too. I emptied the dishwasher and reloaded it before I took the kids to school, so it was nice to come home to an empty sink. Sometime soon I will need to go through the kids' closets and switch out the winter and summer clothes, make a list of what the older kids need for winter and find the boxes of clothes in the basement for the younger kids to wear. It's always such a chore and I put it off as long as possible.

One of my favorite things... is being able to open the windows instead of running the A/C. I love the way the infusion of fresh air makes the house smell. I love the smells of fall.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... take Lillian to the doctor for her 4-year checkup, clean the playroom, See You at the Pole at the older kids' school, picture day for the older kids, FINISH the December 2007 Disney scrapbook, watch lots of TV (it's premiere week! Woo hoo!)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...



Lillian, in the birthday hat that her teacher lets all birthday boys and girls wear on their special day.

Things I Learned From the Ants

I took the kids out to the pool a couple of days ago, and while they splashed I watched ants. Sounds fascinating, no?

All that ant watching made me think of how small they are compared to how big we humans are. How we can take out an ant in one squish, or we can show mercy and let the ants happily scamper about. Kill the ants and they won't bother you, or let them live and take the risk that they'll turn around and nip you. It's a choice. We have the power over them, and we can choose to use it or not.

I think in life we have that same choice. We can crush someone that we perceive as a threat, or we can show that person kindness and take the risk of being burned by them down the road. You can mow people over with your power, squishing them beneath your heavy thumb, or you can show mercy, all the while knowing you do have the power to crush someone. It's a quiet strength.

Elizabeth Dole said, "We have learned that power is a positive force if it is used for positive purposes."

Lord Acton had this to say about power: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men."

We are all in positions of power, whether it be in our homes, our jobs, our friendships, our relationships. We have to choose how we're going to use (or abuse) our power.

Squash the ants, or let them live.

"We thought, because we had power, we had wisdom." Stephen Vincent Benet

"I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be." Thomas Jefferson

"You can have power over people as long as you don't take everything away from them. But when you've robbed a man of everything, he's no longer in your power." Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

All this from some little ants.

A first time for everything...

I did something last night that I have never, ever done before. I liked it, and I know I will definitely do it again.

I went to the movies by myself. ALL BY MYSELF.

And I liked it.

No.

I LOVED it.

It's not that I've never wanted to go alone or felt too uncomfortable to go alone... I just never had the desire to go. But I knew that my husband didn't want to see "Sex and the City" and I sure couldn't take the kids with me (though the R rating didn't stop the two ladies in front of me from bringing their children.... an infant and what looked to be a 5 year-old and a 3 year-old...)

I bought popcorn, a Coke and a box of Raisinets. I poured the Raisinets into the popcorn bag and no one groaned in disgust. I didn't have to suck up anyone's slobber when I took a sip of my drink. I didn't have to share ONE BITE. YUM-OH.

I loved every minute of the movie. It was good to be with the girls again. I loved SATC when it was on HBO (though I watched most of it on DVDs rented from Netflix) and the movie didn't disappoint. I enjoyed catching up with the characters I grew to love, and although the ending was a typical Hollywood fairy tale tied up in a neat bow, I was glad to see it all work out for Charlotte, Carrie, Miranda and Samantha. I was sad when the credits rolled. I wanted more time with my "friends".

I left the theater and went treasure hunting at TJMaxx. I had time to peruse everything and got lots of awesome bargains. Shopping in peace with no one calling my name is something I haven't done in a long time. I don't think I'll try that again soon, because the pocketbook does take a hit, but it was great fun. I even managed to buy myself 3 things, which is rare. Normally I shop for everyone else and forget that I need things, too.

When I got home I had cupcakes to make for Camryn's class party, so it was back to the Mom grind. It's all part of the job, and I LOVE my job; I wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China (and I love my tea, you know!) I'm so blessed to have a wonderful managing partner (my husband) who takes over the company (our kids) for awhile so I can have some vacation time. Love that man. Love him, love him, love him.

Miles to Go Before I Sleep

I am dragging this morning. I stayed up too late last night.

I bet you're thinking that LATE is like 3 or 4 am, right?

Nope. The clock said 12:30 when I rolled over and shut my eyes. Pitiful, eh?

I hate feeling like this when I have so much to do. I feel so groggy, and my eyes hurt. I'm ready for the kids to be out of school, because I want to be able to sleep later in the morning.

Four and a half more days. That's all I have left.

136 miles. That's how far I have left to drive.

1 teacher gift finished, 2 more to go.

2 staff gifts to polish off.

June 6th, baby. June 6th. Then we'll be done.

D*O*N*E

done.

Then it all starts over September 3rd. That's 89 days away.

I'll be counting down those days before you know it.

Mousetrap

The image below may be disturbing. Proceed with caution.
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READY?

ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE READY?

REALLY, REALLY SURE?

OKAY. I WARNED YOU.
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This, my dear friends, is a dead mouse.



It was killed by a 5 year-old, a 3 year-old and a glass of iced tea.

The 5 year-old was told to go fetch the glass so I could fill it for dinner. The 3 year-old, who is the 5 year-old's constant shadow, jumped up and ran to get the glass herself. A fight ensued, and yes, there was much screaming, and then it got quiet. Somehow tea ended up all over my desk. Of course no one is admitting fault, but there were only two people in the room.

Towels were fetched, frantic drying began and appropriate punishments were handed out.

Dinner commenced with much crying and poking out of lower lips. Tension had eased by the end of supper. Happiness was restored to the land.

After dinner I sat down for a post-incident straightening of the desk, and I found the mouse to be non-functional. Screws were removed, some shaking took place, some tea splashed out of the cavity, and the mouse now works...intermittently. I can hear him weezing, poor thing. He's drowning in there. Splenda allergy, I guess.

Sadly, there is another dead mouse just like him in the closet. He died about 2 months ago. I guess this one will join his big brother in the dark closet (why can't I throw them away? I dunno. I guess I'm hoping for a miracle like in Pet Sematary. Whoooo... scary reincarnated mice!)

So I suppose tomorrow I'll pack up my Staples reward check and go rodent shopping. Let's hope the new one lasts a little longer than 2 months.

Monday Thoughts

It's currently 71.1 degrees in Orlando right now. iGoogle taunts me with the Orlando weather every time I sign on, because I gave it permission to do so. I like knowing the Orlando weather, but not on days when it's 48.9 degrees where I live. Sheesh. It was gorgeous over the weekend, and now this AGAIN. If I'm going to have an allergy-induced cotton wad in the back of my throat, I'd at least like it to be because Spring is here to stay. It feels more like winter outside, and I DON'T LIKE IT.

(I shaved for this? I want to wear shorts, doggone it! I didn't pull out the Intuition razor just to have to cover my bare legs with long pants yet again!)
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Today is day 14 of no eating out (except on Sundays after church). When I put this plan into motion, I wasn't sure how it would work. 'Twas an adventurous experiment.

I planned out 2 weeks' worth of menus and committed myself to at least that many days of homecooked meals. There have been some complaints about the menu, but for the most part, I can say it's working. We have modified the schedule so that I can take Fridays off (we have leftovers and give the kids Totino's pizza), and I don't cook on Sunday nights. After a big Sunday lunch out, most of us aren't very hungry anyway. We either have sandwiches or cereal. Works for me.

I have noticed three major differences in our family since starting this experiment:

(1) We're not rushing to dinner and back from dinner, getting everyone quickly bathed and dressed, then racing to get the kids in bed before 8 pm. Now we have a leisurely dinner at home. We talk more, the kids linger over their food, they help more with the clean-up, and we have lots of time to sit together and talk in the den, or watch Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy, or play a quick Wii game together. Going out to eat is supposed to save time, but I've really found the opposite to be true.

(2) We're not eating as many calories. I've lost a little weight without really trying to, simply because we're not eating in restaurants where I can't control the preparation of my meal.

(3) Our kids are much happier, and their attitudes have vastly improved. More time with Mom & Dad means happier, more obedient children. I'm not kidding. I *knew* that, but when we were eating out so much there just wasn't time to spend time, ya' know?

I have to admit I'm more fulfilled cooking for my family, too. I love to cook for everyone; it just meets a need I have to serve my loved ones. I love doing things for people, because it makes me feel important. Then there's the part of me that loves to be organized, and having the menu planned out really meets that need for me. I feel in control, and that gives me a huge amount of satisfaction.

Dinner's beeping, and there are two children in the tub that need to be washed. Wish today's thoughts could've been funnier, but they are what they are.

Happy Monday!

March 5, 2008: A Good Day

Today, so far, has been good.

My older daughter was awake, dressed and actually eating breakfast when I got to the kitchen. Knock me over with the proverbial feather. She's almost always dressed, but usually takes her waffle on the run, which means a dirty plate rattling around in the car for a day or two until I remember to take it inside.

I took an alternate route to the kids' school this morning. It was much more scenic and was a little quicker. Nice.

The kids made it to school early. Nice.

I took Lillian to Chick Fil A for Chicken Minis (Um, she *made* me go. Yeah. That's it.). I had a coupon for a free box of those little morsels. Score.

I did a load of laundry. I folded three loads. Good use of my time.

I emptied the dishwasher (which wasn't overly full... a sweet surprise!)

I made a few phone calls I'd been putting off. Cross those off my list.

I talked to both of my parents. That's always a treat. I like talking to them. We always laugh about something.

I spent some quality time with Lillian this morning. That's food for the soul.

The mister brought home Taco Bell for lunch for me and Lillo. Nachos Bellgrande and a large Mountain Dew. The man knows me eerily well.

I got a huge hug from Quinn when he came home from school. He gives the kind of hug that lingers. I never break the hug first; I always let him stop. He gives great hugs, that kid.

Now Q & L are playing together, holding a sleepover for her babies and his Webkinz in the den. They're being so sweet. Wonder how long that will last?

Double Up

Change always comes bearing gifts.

~Price Pritchett

Ah, change.

I found a quarter, a dime, a penny and a Chuck E Cheese token today. Know where?

My younger son's old room.

"Old room?" you say. "Why do you say, 'Old room'? Did he move out?"

Nope (he is only 4, after all...)

It's because we're changing.

We used to live in a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath house. Our boys shared a room there. All 4 kids shared the one bathroom that was designated as theirs.

We needed just one more bathroom, so we moved into a 6 bedroom, 4 bath home just under 2 years ago.

Every child now has his or her own bedroom. The girls share a bath; the boys share a bath.

That was the way it's been since April 2006.

Several months ago we started hearing rumblings, whispers, subtle remarks. Something was afoot. Change was coming.

The boys wanted to share a room again.

"Nonsense!" we said. "Why do that when you each have your own room now?"

The rumblings settled. Whispers were silenced. Peace reigned throughout the land.

The subject was recently raised again.

This time, I listened.

I thought. I planned. I fantasized. I began to see how this rearrangement, this change, this altering of the status quo could benefit ME.

After a month or so of shopping for a bargain, we bought a set of bunk beds and brought them home. The mister and I assembled them in our older son's bedroom, because his room is a wee bit bigger and his closet will hold all of the boys' clothes.

And now we have an empty room. And what do you do with an empty room?

You fill it with something! And I have plans. BIG plans.

The time has come to move my scrabooking stuff upstairs. I'm not getting anything done with it being downstairs. I have no motivation to go work in there at night, because my husband stays upstairs. It makes much more sense to have the room upstairs where the kids are.... where the laundry is... where dinner can be cooked and stirred without a trip up the stairs... where the kids can watch TV in my room while I work... where our LIFE is.

I'm not going to paint the room, because I suspect that this room sharing thing will only last 5 years or so. By that time I'm hoping that the playroom will no longer be needed and I can take over that room. Then I can paint. But for now, I'm going to move into a new room, set up a new configuration that fosters my creativity, and I'm going to LOVE it.

Change does come bearing gifts. And I can't wait to open this one!

2007: A Year in Review

I just got People magazine's "Best & Worst" year in review issue, and after reading it from cover to cover, I decided to dig through my notes from 2007 and come up with my own list of highs and lows for the past year.

I can't guarantee it will make for fascinating reading, but pop some popcorn anyway. That way, when you reach the end of this entry, at least you can say you had a snack. Time spent eating is never wasted, right?

Hmmmm.... Should I hit the lows first and end with the highs, or celebrate the highs and leave you depressed at the end by recounting the lows?

Choices, choices.

Hey! I think I'll alternate!

And thus, I present to you, in no particular order, highs and lows of 2007!

LOW: In February my best friend moved to Atlanta with her family. My daughter and I both lost a friend, because Camryn was best friends with my friend's daughter, Madison.

HIGH: I celebrate every day the friendships, both real and "cyber", that I have built through my favorite internet site, ScrapShare. I made new friends there and strengthened old relationships, and I renewed some real life friendships as well. I attended a ScrapShare retreat in Helen, Georgia and had a BLAST. Love those ladies!

LOW: My daughter lost another good friend (her first crush!) in January when he moved with his family back to Fort Worth, TX. The friend's dad had a serious accident that left him comatose from October 2006 until he passed away in May of 2007.

HIGH: I turned 34 in February. I've never been more confident in who I am and what I'm on earth to do than I am right now. Life is good. It's very, very good.

LOW: My mother-in-law moved closer to us in May. She's put us through some trying times with some of the choices she's made since moving.

HIGH: My mother-in-law no longer lives with us, and she has her own place to stay, so she will never, ever have to spend the night with us again. She's also regained her mobility and health after her bypass last year, and she is local so she can babysit in a pinch.

LOW: Our beloved kitty child, Harry, passed away very suddenly on February 11. That was some hard, hard stuff. Not as awful as losing one of my human children, but definitely not something I want to experience again anytime soon.

HIGH: We adopted sweet, vivacious, energetic Annabelle in May. She's got lots of spunk, and keeps 12 year-old Beeson (our other cat) on his toes!



LOW(s): Every time Quinn & Lillian got into mischief. There was the famous shampoo and body wash all over the bathroom incident, and the nail polish all over Lillian and the carpet incident, and the pouring my Chloe perfume all over Beeson incident, and the two times I had to call poison control because the kids ingested something they shouldn't have (once it was Correctol, and the other time it was zinc lozenges...) Ah, the joys of parenthood.

HIGH: My sweet hubby took me to see Billy Joel in concert in February, and I got to have a whole day at the spa with my sister in July. I guess that makes up for all the stuff I deal with on a daily basis. Love me some hubby!

LOW: Dry, hot, arid (did I mention HOT?) summer!

HIGH: We got a pool in June. I don't think we could've survived the summer without it. And, 3 of the kids can now swim confidently without floaties! Lillian is working on it. If she can conquer her fear, she'll be swimming unassisted next summer.



LOW: My maternal grandmother's health is steadily declining. We thought we were close to losing her in October, but she rallied. She can't speak, though, and with Alzheimer's, she can't remember much, either. It just seems like an unusually cruel way to exist. I don't think she'll hang on much longer, because since early December she's been getting steadily worse.

HIGH: I took my daughter to her first Auburn game in November. I may not always remember it when I'm old, but I know she will. It was an awesome day and a fabulous memory that makes me smile.



LOW: Our cats continued to poop on the carpet in the basement. They're healthy and have no reason to keep pooping (per the vet's assessment), but they did it anyway.

HIGH: My hubby ripped up the carpet himself and installed linoleum. We moved a desk and reorganized the entire basement. I really love the new layout and functionality of the basement, and without the cats' pooping, we would never have rearranged anything. Silver lining and all that, I guess.

LOW: I realized that our 2004 Chrysler Pacifica just wasn't working for our family, and I mourned having to give up my sporty SUV for yet another minivan.

HIGH: I love my new 2004 Toyota Sienna. It has storage space EVERYWHERE (no stuff rattling around in the van!), the kids and adults alike have lots of elbow and leg room, and the real bonus is that it smells just like the Monorail at Disney World. Cool beans!

I can't think of anymore Lows, but I do have a few more Highs left, so I'll wrap up with those!

HIGH: This was the year for milestones in our family. Not only did the kids learn to swim, but I officially changed my last diaper in 2007. My youngest, Lillian, is fully potty trained. Wahoo!



My older son lost his first tooth this year, too. The Tooth Fairy was more generous than I would've been, but hey, it was the first one! He lost another one on the bottom, and the top two are getting looser by the day. Won't be long 'til he loses his two front teeth!



HIGH: Being fortunate enough to get involved with helping produce the first ever ScrapShare cookbook. I got to know my friend Joanie a lot better, and she has become dear to my heart. Then there are all the great recipes that went into that book, and getting to pack them with love and send them all over the country and to Australia and Canada... it was a blast. Lots of hard work for me and the sacrifice of time with my family, but it was worth it to make so many people happy with a little ole cookbook. That book has become one of my earthly treasures, and it means so much more to me than recipes on paper. Part of my heart is in that book, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity I got to help with it.



HIGH: Going to Disney World with the family this month. What a wonderful vacation we had. So many smiles and laughs and memories. I just love that place; it truly is the happiest place on earth, and now we own a piece of it through the Disney Vacation Club!



Looking back over 2007 makes me realize just how much living I've done. The time has flown, but I enjoyed just about every single minute of it. Everything I've done this year has changed me in some small way, and I am so happy with the person I am now. There's some stuff I could fix (I'd like to lose a lot more weight...) but I'm content. I can't imagine 2008 being much better, but I look forward to the highs and lows that the new year brings!