What a dollar can get you...

A dollar can buy so many things. Most are only worth just that, a buck. However, every once in a while, a dollar can go pretty far.

Last week, we stopped at the BYU Creamery for ice cream as a send off to Spring Break. While we were enjoying our heavenly treats (waffle cones:mmmmm-mmmm) a group of BYU co-eds sat down at the table behind us. Tommy, ever the ladies man, made a wager with his mom. A dollar for a pick up line. And it had to be good. Not the rushed and run away type. It had to sound real. Why am I encouraging this type of thing? Because it was hilarious.

Tommy got up as we were leaving and went over to their table. He said, " Hey, ladies....come here often?"

They all giggled and Tommy about fainted. His face was so red and he was so nervous. As we were driving away, I asked him if he was OK and he said, "Yeah, but my legs are still shaking."

I have to admit, it was well worth the dollar. I think he thinks it was worth it as well because he now has bragging rights that not many other 10 year olds have. He has a way with women.

Cha-ching, baby!!

I have really developed a love for couponing. It is challenging and yet, extremely rewarding. This week, my newest discovery is that all of the Utah Valley Wal-Marts double their coupons (up to a dollar) every Tuesday. When you couple that with their best deals and sales, you can have a very fun time.

I bought all of this for only $21.35. That is an average of 66.7 ¢ per item!!!




We're talking brownies, donuts, pickles, potatoes, chocolate chips, and so much more!

In recent months, I have been spending like mad trying to get my family's year supply. I used to spend around $1,000 to $1,200 every month on groceries. ACK! It was weird, but I never could seem to get past the 6 month mark either.

Since I have started couponing, I am down to less than $400 per month (total) and I also have finally reached my goal. We have our year's supply. Please don't think it's the cannery stuff either. I have plenty of that, but that's not what I am including as my year supply. It's all the GOOD & YUMMY stuff - most of it name brand, too! (not that I really care). I never thought it could be done for 7 people and I especially never knew I could do it so quickly and so inexpensively. I have only been couponing for about 4 months, too.

I know that it's because of two things: couponing and making it a priority with the Lord. I was once told that once you make your food storage a priority, the Lord would help you. He would put sales and opportunities in your way to take advantage of. Boy, has He ever come through for us. I am so grateful for my new found hobby.

Now, please don't thing that I am bragging (even though I am just a little bit - I am so excited!). I just want people to know that it can be easy, quick, and anyone can do it.

My Version - Ace of Base

I saw the SUN, and it opened up my eyes

I saw the SUN

Life is demanding without understanding

I saw the SUN and it opened up my eyes

I saw the SUN

No one's gonna drag you up to get you into the light where you belong...

The worth of 2 cents

A penny for your thoughts, remember that old saying? How much can thoughts really be worth?

Some thoughts/ideas can be priceless. Here are two of my current thoughts. They race through my mind at breakneck speed and they will not leave me alone. They are a constant in my life right now.


1. Grow a garden.

2. Work hard on your food storage.


I know that so many people tire of me blabbing on and on about this subject, but I feel that it is vitally important. If it wasn't, then why have our modern day prophets counseled us to do so? How much longer will people either hide their heads in the sand or pretend that nothing bad can happen?

Hard(er) times are coming. Better safe than sorry.

Business 101

Our version of Donald Trump.

This is Scotty's sign posted on his door:

I like the way this kid thinks!

He makes me laugh

Today I asked big Zack, "Guess who I saw today?"

Scotty hollered, "Chuck Norris?"

Doesn't everyone know it's all about ME?

Hmmmm, they must have missed the memo.

I always look forward to Relief Society Meeting, especially when it involves food. So, why then, am I so bitter about tonight's? It is going to be a fun activity, some of my dearest friends will be there, and there will be new friends to meet...

Oh, wait, I know why - the refreshments are supposed to be light and healthy.

Crap.

I get it, really, I do. It's the new year, new goals, a new 'you'. BUT...when I get to have a night out, I want to indulge and splurge a little. Please don't preach to me that healthy food can be sublime. I know it can be. And yes, I know I'll learn new ideas, taste new things, blah, blah, blah...

Want to know a little secret? Shhh, come closer and I'll tell you.

Did you know that I cook healthy food? More than just periodically? You can even ask my family if you don't believe me. But that's when I am 'on'. Do you get my meaning? I have this whole drama or play that I put on almost every night with a cast of characters that are as diverse as they are beautiful. Crisp veggies, tender fruits, delicate fish, olive oil - you get my drift. I even have an OCD thing about not having the same color or texture more than once on the plate. So much pressure!


I also am always expected to set a good example for my children in what I eat (what's up with that?). We have dessert nights only on the weekend and I try to encourage fruits or nuts for their snacks. I think I am doing OK.

Yes, over the years I have been considered by many to be a junk food junkie, but I am much better when it comes to what my family eats. I am accountable to them, therefore, I eat my junk food in private.

I know that the sisters in charge of the activity have worked hard and I love them all to death. I also know that many sisters have even asked for and suggested this healthier idea. I know that I will love it all once I am there, it's just all in the build up, so please, forgive my whiny ways.

So, what have I learned? Apparently, it's not all about me all the time. Who knew?! I guess I'll let them have their way - just this once. However, in the future, on my once a month girls' night out,

"Back off, I'm starving!"

Name that show.

Dumb Movie

We just finished watching Toys Story 3. We got it for Christmas from my grandpa.

Guess what? I didn't really enjoy it. Yes, I did. No, I didn't. Yes! Nope!

Oh, don't worry. It was fun, silly, very creative, and cute...until the end when I was crying so hard I had to leave the room.


I think I may have worried my eldest son who spied me falling apart about 30 seconds before I snuck out.

*Spoiler Alert* *Spoiler Alert* *Spoiler Alert*

This movie is all about Andy leaving for college. The toys have to decide what they are going to do because they think he wants to throw them in the garbage. Needless to say, Andy ends up giving his toys away and this was extremely disturbing to me.

It wasn't the fact that he gave them away, it was that as I was sitting there watching my children enjoy this movie, I was hit square in the face that they were growing up and it kills me. I may joke about looking forward to the empty nest, but apparently, it's all a big lie. My children are what I live for, they are my joy. This period of time in my life is the most magical, amazing, and yes, it's even a sacred time in my life. What a blessing it is to have this sweet opportunity to have these near perfect little ones as my own. Sadly, I see their childhoods slowly melting away. And by slowly, I really mean at the speed of light. Pooers!








It's hard to put words to my heart's most tender feelings, but that's not important. It's getting my 13 year old to still wear a onesie and suck on a binkie so that I can keep these cute memories alive that matters the most. Creepy? Yeah, maybe a little. Disturbing? Most definitely.

Maybe my thoughts on getting a dog aren't too far off. You know, the kind that will always resemble a puppy (AKA:baby)? Ugh, but really? A dog?

Nah.

Tommy, Scotty, and Julie Sing!

So much has happened within the past little bit and I have been such a slacker with posting it all. Thank you to Suzie, my wonderful friend, who encourages me to continue with my blogging. She is my motivation!

A week or two ago, Tommy sang a solo in his school's Christmas choir. He was so excited and I'd have to say, he did beautifully.



A few days later, I had my 30-cough-cough-fifth birthday. It was wonderful. I got a few canning jars, some food to fill them with, a can opener, candy, jelly roll pans, and one of my dearest friends, Julie, came with her family (plus a few others) to sing to me. I have been waiting for that for months!

,

Then came Scotty's singing in his school's Jingle Jam. He's the one that looks like a sleepy, floating head.



Oh! Speaking of me getting old...Zacky shaved for the first time. Normally, I would say that he's too young and there is no possible way a 13 year old would need to shave, but pictures don't lie (this was towards the end): EW.



What else...hmmmmm....can't think of much except that we are having a wonderful Christmas break and that I have been cooking up a storm. Not nearly as much as last year, though. And last, but not least, I am so thankful that as of the 21st, there has not been any more of this crap in a full year!!! Blessings abound!

My Mikey Boy

When Mikey was a Sunbeam in church(3yrs old), he was asked to give his first primary talk. I happened to be in the Primary Presidency at the time, so my knowledge and wisdom allowed me to have a spectacular talk prepared. Just kidding. I wrote it that morning. Before we left for church we practiced it with Mikey two or three times. He had it down pat. His talk was about Noah and the flood.


Mikey's big moment had arrived. He proudly walked up to the little pulpit and looked to me for encouragement. I put my arm around his waist, smiled at him, and then I whispered in his ear, "Once there was a man named Noah."

Mikey said very clearly into the microphone with a gravely, evil voice, "Once there was a meeeean man named Noah."

My face went scarlet and I started to sweat. This wasn't going the way we had practiced. I then whispered, "Heavenly Father told him to build an ark for all of the animals." Mikey repeated it perfectly. We continued on. Disaster had been averted. Or so I thought.

I then whispered, "And then Heavenly Father made it flood."

Mikey creepily said, "And then there was blooood!"

I can't remember what happened after that. When I came to, he was smiling so proudly at me. He had done it. He had given his first talk and even had the kids spellbound. How many people can say that of a church talk - that they had the congregation spellbound?!

Mikey, I love you. You always keep me smiling!