Christmas Tree

Frank IV and I put up the little Christmas tree Tuesday night.  We also put out his cute Manager scene he got last year from Poppy Bob and Mu.  Of course, now he just wants to play with the pieces.  He has moved the whole thing a couple of times and keeps re arranging the pieces.  It is a good way to learn about the story of Jesus birth. 

To turn on the Christmas tree Frank IV blows on it and I hit the switch...poof...twinkly lights! Too cute!  I did not pull out all the ornaments so it looks better in the dark.  :)

"First Corinthians 13, Christmas Version"

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away away in kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point. 

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.

But giving the gift of Love will endure!

****
May you feel the love from our family to yours this Christmas.  Merry Christmas!
****
Thank you God for sending your son Jesus to save us.  Please help us to share that love and your spirit with those around us this holiday season and to carry that love forward to share throughout the year.  Amen.

Grocery Store Round Up

Publix:  TOP:  37.41. Total Value;  $105.77.  Total Savings:  $68.36 or 65%.  Total Coupons:  $24.80.  Free 50 ct Tylenol PM (2), free bags of salad.  Almost free Betty Crocker potatoes .08 or .07 per box = 4 boxes for .30 total.  Hunts Tomatoes:  .42/can.  Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal:  .50/box. 

Kroger:  TOP:  $90.86.  Total Value:  $181.51.  Total Savings:  $90.65 or 50%.  Total Coupons:  $38.74  This would have been a better trip but I actually got razers for Frank who really needed them ($12.59-3 coupon=$9.59), diapers for shower present ($9.77.-$4coupon=$3.77), Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo/lotion for shower ($6-$2 coupons, $1 mega sale= $1.50 each)magic sizing (store=1.09) and popcorn snack for Frank (no coupon:  3.99) besides my groceries.  Free dog biscuits ($2.99), free mandarin oranges.  And Frank Frank's new favorite drink Sunny D for .79 each. 

There were some good deals the last two weeks.   Now I have to work on restocking the freezer since we have been eating out of it. 

I am not a "texter" but watch out all of you that are!

Grocery Update

I have been without a debit card for 3 weeks.  Wachovia actually delivered it to me today at my office...because of the long delay.  So I have not been able to shop even at the grocery store and I have not been to drugstore either.   Been using up my supplies.  I actually have room for new stuff in freezer for a change. 

Last week:
Publix:   TOP:  $35.16. Total Savings:  $30.74 or 47%.  Total Coupons:  $22.10.  best buy:  $.19 glade candle (6).

Kroger:  TOP: $102.22.  Total Savings:  $108.70 or 52%.  Total Coupons:  $48.09.  Free;  reeces cup (.79).  best buy:  chex mix (.49 a bag), Frank's hot sauce (.49).

TOP:  $137.38.  Total Savings:  $139.44 or 50%.  Total Coupons:  $70.19

Answered Prayer - House Closing Happened

Thank you Lord for answering our prayer.  We could not have made it through the last 15 months without you.  Continue to bless our family and help us to continue to realize what really matters.  Amen.

After 15 long months...the House Closing is 24 hours away.

Tomorrow afternoon is the final day!  We are scheduled to close at 1pm.  We finally got HUD issues worked out after 3rd version this morning.  We are having to take more money than we anticipated to closing but hopefully we will have it this afternoon when Frank gets to bank to get check.  Thankfully this is the last payment and hopefully the final water and electric will be minimal amounts since everything is switched off tomorrow. 

Please keep praying everything works out so tomorrow we will have an answered prayer post!

Fun Fair Day

Frank went to State Fair yesterday on his first field trip.  Mama-ma and Mommy got to go too.  Frank loved the petting zoo of course and was disappointed not to see more cows.  They were moving dairy out  and beef in.  He had fun riding the rides.  He rode the swing ride twice and it went up pretty high.  He rode the car ride, the twirly boat (with Mommy), the swings twice, the carosel and the train.  He also ate part of an elephant ear.   Of course we got a picture at the Rocket! He did really good and we both a nap once we got home. 

Why We Do Not Shop At Wal-mart...

I highly agree with the author.  Commentary: Wal-Mart and the high cost of 'cheap' at http://www.mcclatchydc.com/340/story/77290.html. 

This is great little article on how Wal-mart works to drive out the local stores and then does not actually save you money after all.  There are many items you can find at a lower price on sale at your local grocery store.  Plus Wal-mart does not treat their employees very well oftentimes. 

Shop locally to help your neighbors and keep your money in your community. 

Happy Columbus Day

We are working and Frank is in school but we had less traffic! If you have the day off I hope you enjoy it.  It would have been a great day to sleep in.  Frank kept telling me it was too dark to go to schoolthis morning.  I told him if he had gone to bed at 8:30 last night when it was dark outside he would feel better waking up.  He is not a morning person!

Looking like Fall

Thanks to Frank IV and Mama-ma it looks like Fall around our house.  Frank got a Halloween costume then picked out a pumpkin and yellow mums.  All of which are currently being soaked by rain.

We tried to make a fall display around the light but Frank was having non of that.  He wanted the pumpkin in the middle of the hedges so it is under the flag pole with the grass inbetween two shrubs.  Frank was very particular about where he wanted it.  :) 

Quick Grocery Trip

Publix:  TOP:  $16.12.  Total Value:  $27.44. Total Savings:  $11.32 or 41%.  Total Coupons:  $9.98.  Almost free:  $.01 coffee. Got 18lb dog food, Visene for contacts, Coffee. Little Bites Muffind and Lysol.

Bilo:  TOP:  33.47. Total Value:  $54.96. Total Savings $22.03 or 40%.  Total Coupons:  $3.60.  Nothing free but not to bad for what I ran in and got.  Milk, Chips, Cran grape, 12 pack drink, 3 frozen meals, 1 non froz lunch meal, 2 bags of salad, grape tomatos, Orange Pineapple juice, lunch meat, mini raisins, 2 8 packs of water.

Interesting Read... The Shell Game by Steve Alten

Grabbed this off the shelf at the library.  It is a really interest political thriller..."what if" book.  It is scary in that I could see how the events depicted could really happen.  It really shows how dependent the US is on oil but also shows that potentially we could end that dependence if someone would take a stand for it.  There would be some sacrifice along the way and some changes.  It also paints a dark picture if things continue.  Thought provoking reading and it moves quickly. 

Frank III on injured reserve

Frank managed to hurt his leg at the softball game Wednesday night.  He is not sure what happened but his leg really hurts and he is on crutches.  Nothing in broken but if he is not feeling better in a couple of days he will need to get a MRI to see if there is ligament damage.  Frank 4 is wondering what the crutches are for and keeps trying to mess with his Daddy. 

House Relief...

Please keep up in your prayers.  We have a closing set for October 30 for the old house.  We are now scrambling to find the money we need to take to closing but hopefully we have worked out all the other issues.  15 months of two mortgage payments has been tough. 

The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

Bought this and read while out of work sick with bad sinus infection this Monday and Tuesday.   It took a few hours, pretty long plus I was sick but it was good.  A little predictable but a quick read and enjoyable.  Pretty amazing descriptions about Washington DC.  I would like a "lost symbol" tour of DC - been awhile since I have been there.  I feel sure Frank IV would go crazy over Air and Space Museum which is my least favorite but could send boys there and let Mommy go on her tour of Library etc. 

I was down and out for 4 days but I am sort of feeling better finally...looking forward to some rest this weekend. 

Grocery Sept 21, 2009

Publix:  TOP: $63.17.  Total Value:  $115.97.  Total Savings:  $51.95 or 45%. Total Coupons:  $27.48. 

Walgreens:  TOP:  $52.70 (before tax).  Total Value:  $105.41.  Total Savings:  $52.71 or 50%.  Total Coupons:  $29.25 (including Reg Rewards).  I am taking some stuff back possible so it may be less. 

Grocery Deals September 12

Kroger:  TOP:  $21.41.  Total Value:  $61.18. Total Savings:  $39.77 or 65%.   Total Coupons:  $14.20.  FREE:  gallon Milk, free Wheat bread, Cattleman BBQ sauce, Free Reece's cup 8 pack. 

Bi-Lo:  TOP:  $58.00.  Total Value:  $133.46.  Total Savings:  $77.51or 58%.   Total Coupons:  $19.30.  Almost free:  Renuzit air freshner (.23), gallon swiss lemon tea (.24), & chex mix (.25).   Laudry supplies and meat.

Publix:  TOP:  $15.96. Total Value:  $29.69.  Total Savings:  $13.92 or 47%.  Total Coupons:  $1.98 (penny item).  Bought 6 boxes of Little Bites (B1G1), gallon of tea, 2 donuts and vanilla wafers (penny item). 

Week:  TOP:  $95.37.  Total Value:  $224.33.  Total Savings:  $128.96 or 57%.  Total Coupons:  $35.48. 

Last Weekend Grocery

Publix:  TOP:  $109.75.  Total Value:  $185.68.  Total Savings:  $75.93 or 41%.  Total Coupons:  $29.40.  Free:  Mrs. Paul's fishsticks, some good savings.

Target:  TOP:  $17.59.  Total Value $19.79.  Total Savings;  $2.20.  used some coupons but had to have some febreeze for other house.

Walgreens #1:  TOP:  $10.55.  Total Value:  $28.81.  Total Savings:  $18.26 or 63%. 

Walgreens #2:  TOP:  $2.70.  Total Value:  $20.36.  Total Savings:  $17.66 or 87%. 

Walgreens #3:  TOP:  $8.88.  Total Value;  $35.16.  Total Savings:  $26.28 or 75%.   At end of 3rd t'action I had $13 RR dollars back. 

CVS #1:  TOP:  $5.88.  Total Value:  $55.74.  Total Savings;  $49.86 or 89%.  Total Coupons & ECBs:  $25.99.  Got back $7 ECB.

CVS #2:  TOP:  $3.23.  Total Value:  $21.66.  Total Savings:  $18.43 or 85%.   Total Coupons & ECBs:  $15.49.  Free cover girl powder.  New ECBs:  $6.00

TOP:  158.58.  Total Value:  $367.20.  Total Savings:  $208.62. 

Frank plants fall flowers

Labor Day Weekend

We are excited Nannie and Granddaddy are on their way for the weekend. The store is open tomorrow. No big plans other than watching football and enjoying our time together. I may send the grandparents and toddler to the zoo and have some "quiet time." Of course I need to work in the yard and clean house...but quiet time seems like a better idea.

Hope you have a great long weekend!

Gamecocks Win...

an awful ugly win but we will take a win anyday! Offense played okay, defense was better than what I expected. And we take a win any day. Now it is time to get ready for the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens. Go Cocks!

And for out football teams...

USC - Go Cocks
East Carolina - Go Pirates
Wofford - Go Terriers
...and whoever is playing Clemson!

It's Football Time!

Go Gamecocks!

Tonight we hope the Gamecocks have a win over NC State.

Let's Go Gamecocks Beat the Wolfpack!

Frank IV says "Go Cocks!"

CVS & Walgreens

Walgreens #1 TOP: $24.15. Total Value: $88.68. Total Savings: $64.53 or 73%. Free: lipstick, listerine rinse, & carmex. Best deal: $.29 boxes of Huggies wipes (5). Ended up with $5RR and $3RR.

Walgreens #2: TOP: $2.52 {$4.13 less refund of 1.61 (wrong toothbrush)}. Total Value: $12.02. Total Savings: $ 9.50 or 79%.

Walgreens#3: TOP: $1.34. Total Value: $9.34. Total Savings: $8 or 86%.

CVS #1: TOP: $3.14. Total Value: 33.64. Total Savings: $30.50 or 91%. Total Coupons (inlcuding ECBs): $26.50. Got Back $5 ECB, $1 ECB, & 6.99 ECB.

CVS #2: $4.48. Total Value: $10.48. Total Savings: $6 or 57%. Coupon: $3. Got back $6.99 ECB which then took care of #3.

CVS: #3: TOP .32 cents. Total Value: $19.24. Total Savings: $18.92 or 98 %. Got newspaper ($3 version), sidewalk chalk, 6 bubbles, 1 toothbrush (Free).

I used my other CVS card on #2 & #3 so that is why I did not want to carry over ECBs...gets too tricky. But I have two nice candles for Frank's teachers and outside play stuff.

Week: TOP 36.05. Total Value: 173.58. Total Savings: 137.53 or 79%. Total Coupons:

Ending RR:
Ending ECB:

Grocery Update...

Bi-Lo: TOP: $67.27. Total Savings: $79.86 or 54%. Total Coupons: $13.65. Free Lou Ann Canola Oil. We got Roast (5 lbs), shrimp, Kielbasa (4), 4 lbs of sandwich meat, ground turkey, carrots, fruit bowls, grapes, grape tomatos, salad mix, cheese, feta cheese, 3 packages of plates, tea (2 1/2 gallons) 2 packs of Hefty "go" cups, dial soap, Dawn and wheat torillas.

Kroger: TOP: $12.74 plus $3.50 Catalina next purchase. Total Savings: $28.77 or 69%. Total Coupons: 10.40. Free: Nothing but good deals on final day of Mega sale. 24 pack Aquafina, Dole Orange Pineapple, 5 BC boxes fruit treats, refried beans, cookie mix, chocolate cake delight, 1.5 lbs of Kraf cheese.

Publix: TOP: $60.82. Total Savings: $52.81 or 47%. Total Coupons: $22.30. I actually did not hand over $7 worth of coupons which would have made me at 50% savings. ARGH! Free: 4 10oz A1 Sauce and 1 McCormick seasoning.

Week: TOP $140.78. Total Value: 301.92. Total Savings: 161.44 or 53%. Total Coupons: $46.35

Yikes! We officially have no room in the freezer or fridge...things are falling out when the door is opened. We are stocked up...want to come over for dinner?? For dessert we have plenty of Fruit Roll ups or Fruit snacks or some lemon Italian ice. :)

Are You Ready for Some Football...

I am! Go GAMECOCKS!

Only 7 more days until the Gamecocks head north to take on the Wolfpack. I am hoping for a great game and a win. I think the edge right now definitely goes to NC State with it being a home game and their more experienced QB (and our less unproven defense). But I think our team has something to prove this season and this could be the start of something good. With the toughest schedule around I do not have high expectations but I do expect some wins!

House update

House is still for sale. price lowered again...more interest shown in house. One bad offer turned down twice.

Please keep praying we get house sold soon.

Prayer

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6.

Lord, Help me to continue to pray and seek you in all things. Please help us to get our house sold and help us grow our business. Continue to bless us and help me to accept those things around me I cannot change and live knowing you will take care of things in your time and not mine. Give me the patience to do your will. Amen

Grocery - Weekend of August 21-23, 2009

Publix Trip #1 picture.

Kroger #1: TOP: $11.81. Total Value: $29.41. Total Savings: 17.60 or 60%. Total Coupons: $9.20. Free single Chiquita apple slice for Frank IV.

Bought: 1 Dole Pineapple Orange ($1.99); 2 Green Giant Sweet Peas ($.75/ea); 5 boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks ($.99 each after coupons); 1 bag Betty Crocker cookie mix ($.79 after coupons), strawberries ($1.99), 1 Betty Crocker Warm Delights ($.49 after coupons) and Chex Mix ($1.09 after coupons).

Kroger #2: TOP: $5.96. Total Value: $19.86. Total Savings: $13.90 or 70%. Total Coupons: $6.90. Bought 5 boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks & 5 cans of Green Giant green beans and peas.

Bi-Lo: TOP: $20.13. Total Value: $51.39. Total Savings: $31.26 or 61%. Total Coupons: $9.85. Free: 4 Method soap dispensers.

Bought 2 bags salad mix, grape tomatos, 1.7lb grapes, 2 boxes of Mr Clean Magic erasers, 1 gallon 2% Milk, 1 Gallon sweet tea, Feta Cheese, & bag of frozen skinless chicken tenders.

Publix #1: TOP: $5.16. Total Value: $28.04. Total Savings: $22.88 or 82%. Total Coupons: $9.58. Free: (2) Shout Triggers, Motts Applesause, Uncle Ben Chicken Rice. I have picture of this below.

Publix #2: Top $39.01. Total Value: $76.98. Total Savings: $37.97 or 49%. Total Coupons: $15.83. This was the bread, meat and frozen items trip plus more Juicy Juice (apple this time). Got 1.25lb gr turkey, 2 Juicy Juice, Mrs Paul fishsticks, 2 Nature's Own 100% whole wheat bread, Publix Rotis Chicken (supper @ 4.99), 2 lbs pork chops, 2 Dig Pizza ($4 lunch), 3 Boston Market meals ($5.50 lunch), 3 lbs of lunch meat (Daddy lunch), All natual cinnomon snacks (Frank IV's class snack contribution $.49) Public Big Paper Towel (.01) , Pert hair for Men ($.49)

TOP: $82.07. Total Value: $205.68. Total Savings: 123.61 or 60%. Total Coupons: $51.36.

This was a great grocery week (which is good 'cause my drug store deals were not as good but they will be next week).

Wags & CVS August 2-22, 2009

CVS: quick trip for just two items. L'oreal eye treatment (14.99) and Cleaner (5.99). Used $4/20 facial product CVS, $4 ECB, $5 L'oreal coupon: TOP: 8.89 , Total Value $28.89. Total Savings $20 or 69%. Got Back $10 ECBs.

Wags: I had a pretty good trips to Wags last night. I got the last box of Huggies wipes for $.29 after Store and .50 MC, 4 M&Ms & Snickers (.49 for all 3 after $1/2 and B1G1), 2 Tylenol ($2, $1 MC, B1G1 @4.49), 2 jumbo crayons, 1 24 count crayon, pencil box, highlighters (my store only had one left) glue sticks, gummy worms (two year old favorite) & FINALLY I found Wags Children activity books.

I used a $3/15 RR, $2 wipes, $2 RR, .50 wipes coupon, $1/2 candy items, B1G1 Candy. It was $21 OOP with me getting back $5 RR & $6 RR. Total Value $57.24. Savings: $35.99 or 63%. No beeps since I had made sure my number of items exceeded my number of coupons.

CVS: FORGOT to split up my stuff my transactions so I ended up back with 26.79 ECBs and bigger TOP tonight. Just when I think I have the couponing down...Guess I will be shopping at CVS again soon. :)

Got Execedrin, Aveeno, drinks, personal items. TOP: $50.32, Total Savings: $45.02. Total ECbs back $26.79.

TOP: $80.21. Total Value: $181.47. Total Savings: 101.26 or 56%. Total Coupons & ECBs/RR: $46.29. Ending Total ECBs $26.79 and Total RR $11.

Grocery Store Shopping

Kroger: TOP: $42.16. Total Savings: $40.23 or 49%. Total Coupons: $17.25. Nothing free but deals on Mega Sale. Stocked up on BC fuit snacks. Got strawberries which Frank IV immediately started eating out of the package.

Publix: TOP: $54.83. Total Savings: $36.21 or 40%. Total Coupons: $13.48. Nothing free but this does include dog food at $14.99 with $1.00 coupon. Without that would be almost 50% savings

Bi-Lo: TOP: $43.34. Total Savings: $31.15 or 42%. Total Coupons: $13.00. We did get $.66 Kraft cheese. Plus meat and salad mix.

Totals --> TOP: $140.33. Total Savings: $107.59 or 43%. Total Coupons: $43.73. Total Value: $247.92.

Baseball family fun.

Daddy got Frank IV a new plastic baseball bat and ball tonight at CVS. We played ball in the front yards when we got home. Right now Frank is a better right fielder/"ball chaser" but he was swinging away with the bat. Of course I managed to hit the ball at him in the head but luckily not too hard. And while Frank IV was pitching he hit Mommy a couple times - Daddy said I was crowding the plate.

And the Braves beat the Phillies so a nice evening overall!

Great Trips to Walgreens & CVS

CVS: T'action #1: L'Oreal Advance Cleansing Wipes (5.99), L'oreal Deep Eye T'ment (14.99), clearance paper plates (.75). Coupons: $4/$20 Facial Product CVS, $1 off L'Oreal cleanser, $5 off L'oreal Eye Treatment, $2 ECB, $4 ECB. TOP: $6.97 with tax. Got back $10 ECB.

CVS T'action #2: 4 Pepsi 12 packs, 1 clearance baseball bat and ball (plastic summer for Frank IV). Coupons: $10 ECB. TOP $5.32. Got back $4 ECB.

CVS: Total Savings $43.56 or 78%. Total Value $55.85. Total ECB used: $16, Total Coupons: $6 and $4ECB for next trip.

Walgreens: 2 boxes Playtex tampons (3.99 each), 6 tubs of Huggies wipes (2.79 each), 6 bags of BIC pens (2/$1.00). TOP: $7.19, Used 4.50 in RR that expired 8/16, Total Coupons/savings: $22.50 or 76%. Got pens for free after 3 $1.00 off coupon, Huggies were $.29 for 2 and $.79 for 4, playtex $2.99 each after coupon.

Mommy has big hair

Yesterday morning I was trying to brush Frank's hair. Since I got it cut I have tried to keep a little neater before school. I tried to brush it and Frank grabbed the brush and wanted to do it himself of course. Then he said he was "too little" to do it. He then said Mommy has big hair. I laughed and asked him are you sure Mommy has big hair? He said YES Mommy have big hair.

First Day of School

Frank IV had his first day of the official 2009-2010 school year today. He was wearing his uniform as were his friends. It made them look more grown up! I took a big bag of school supplies in for Frank. Hopefully they are having a great day without too much crankiness after being out of school a week.

No picture (unless I take one tonight) because after we went to bed early I still woke up late. Oops! But I had everything packed and ready to go including having both our outfits ready which helped me catch up some time. We still got to school a little late but his class was still eating breakfast. So Mommy got to work right at 8:30. And Mommy has been busy all day since then.

CVS saving game

Okay I had been hesistent about saving at CVS or Wal-greens but I did try CVS on Saturday night (after 6pm for this week's deals) and I actually did good.

Bought 2 packs of Pull Ups ($9), Coppertone Nutrashield Sunscreen with free face lotion ($8.99), Huggies wipes ($3) and CVS lotion ($1.49). Used $1.49 free lotion coupon, $5/$25 purchase coupon, CVS ECB $4, ECB .99, Coppertone coupon $5.00, Pull Ups coupons $2 & $1.50 and Huggies wipes coupons $.50.

Total Value: $42.70. TOP: $11.75. Total Savings: $30.95 or 72%. ECB used: $4.99. Coupons: $9.00 manufacturer coupons and $5.00 CVS coupon. And best part ECB received: $6.00 for the next trip.

In my basic terms I got all that for the regular price of one package of Pull Ups! And it was quite easy and no problems (unlike when I try to use my Wal-greens ones).

Grocery deals...

Went shopping without Frank IV since he is still in Virginia - they are on route to SC as I type. We have a big Monday ahead of the "first"day of the school year. Uniforms are starting and I have big bag of school supplies ready to take in. Plus I had a little something for his teachers but I have to find it. Lol. All this buying on sale has me desperately needing more space. I REALLY NEED a big freezer.

Bi-Lo. Total Value: $118.64. TOP $52.77. Total Savings $67.71 or 57%. Total Coupons: $14.90. Was supposed to be a free Shout spray but I do not see it in receipt plus no bag credit...I did get Kleenex for $.81 a box for big boxes and anti-viral boxes. Spent $.14 on butter quarters and $.11 on cat treats (probably for church although one of neighbor cats likes Frank IV).

Publix. Honestly I needed $52 to get to me to the $150 for Kraft rebate. Then I forgot my list at home and shopped without a list. Bad, very bad Blakely but there were lots of good stuff on sale! And I did get the rest of my Kraft rebate items so I just have to mail off to get my $30 in Publix gift cards.

Total Value: $243.67. TOP: $127.36. Total Savings: $120.03 or 49%. Total Coupons: $37.34. Free: Kraft BBQ Sauce and Honey bunches of oats cereal. I got Kraft cheese for $.66 each, crayons 24 ct $.33/each, elmer's glue $.33 each, Chex mix for $.67 bag, Excedrin Migraine $1.00 for 24 count. And why I need a big freezer Tyson fajita kits were $4.99 (regular $7.99) and I have a $1.00 off coupon. Two bags makes a great EASY dinner when I add black beans to it. Yum!

Totals: Value: $362.31. TOP: $180.13. Total Savings: $187.84 or 52%. Total Coupons: $52.24.

prayer request updates

We are still praying for the house to sell, business to improve, health concerns for Nana, Uncle Bill, Uncle Winfield and Mylene's Mom Leony. "Mama Leony" will be having surgery soon. Plus we need safe travels for Frank IV, Nannie and Granddaddy. We are happy to know Poppy Bob and Moo are safely back from their travels.

We are blessed with each other and looking forward to new school year at daycare. The first PTO meeting is August 20.

Love to everyone. :)

Power Outage

It was dark and HOT last night at our house since the power went out before I got home at 6:30 and stayed off until 3:00am. It was really bad for Frank because he could not use his machine. So neither one of us slept much and poor Wolfie panted like he was in Sahara. It was a relief to have air again!

I did get one coat of paint on the trim done and i am hoping to finish up tonight. It was hard to see in the dark.

Frank's Visit to Virginia

Frank IV left yesterday with Nannie and Granddaddy for his week in Virginia. They made it safely there last night and Frank was already playing with his cousins Hunter and Jordan. Frank was quick to tell Mommy and Daddy bye-bye when the words "we are going fishing" were mentioned. Today, Granddaddy planned to take his boys fishing. Hopefully no one falls in the water - I know they will all have a great time.

It was quiet around the house last night and Markie and Wolfie were glad to get some attention from Mommy and Daddy for a change.

*****

Frank is loving his time in VA. He does not even want to talk on the phone with Mommy or Daddy because he is too busy having fun!

Fuel for School Rebate

Kelloggs has a Fuel for School Rebate of $10.00 for buying 10 items of participating items. You have to purchase all 10 at one time.

Today at Publix, I got 2 big boxes of Fruit Loops w/marshmallows, 4 boxes of Pop Tarts and 4 boxes of 100 Calorie Cheezits or Cookies. These 10 items were all B1G1. Plus 1 gallon of Publix Milk and 2 - 4 count Danimal Yogurts.

Total Value $21.76. TOP: $9.66 (plus I still get $10 rebate check). Coupons: $12.10. Turns out with purchase of cereal you got $2 off Milk and with purchase of 2 100 calories you got $2.00 off 2 yogurts. And I had 2 $1/1 yogurts coupons plus coupons for B1G1 items. I got milk for $.99/gallon and free yogurt!

House update

Please keep the sale of our house and the direction of our business in prayer. We continue to have interest in the house and really need to get it sold. Getting it sold will help us make a decision on the business. Right now we are in limbo about what to do.

I know prayer works so keep it coming please!

Grocery Update

Had to use the coupons expiring 7/31 yesterday...should be a good Sunday paper tomorrow.

Kroger: TOP: $22.00. Total Savings: $46.16 or 71%. Coupons: $31.29. Total Value: $68.16.
Free: 3 Crest toothpaste, Herbal Essense Styler ($2.99), most expensive: Huggies jumbo wipes $6.85 after coupons. Yes my e coupons worked.

Publix: TOP: $12.43. Total Savings: $14.75 or 54%. Coupons: $8.40. Total Value $27.18. Free: Deluxe Mac & Cheese (for Kraft rebate)

Second Publix Trip. TOP: $74.20. Total Savings: $70.32 or 49%. Coupons: $25.73. Total Value: $144.52. Free: 2 4 packs Danimal Yogurts, tomato sauce & I earned my $10 Kelloggs Rebate. School supplies: Washable Crayola Markers (8 count) $1.85.

Bi-Lo. Quick trip. TOP: $16.47. Total Savings: $12.31 or 43%. Coupons: $1.98. Total Value: $28.78. Free: Totino's Pizza Rolls

Final: TOP: $125.10. Total Savings: $143.54 or 53%. Total Coupons: $67.40. Total Value: $268.64

Sea of Troubles...

Sometimes it feels like we are in a sea of trouble and doubts. Right now things are tough with the house not selling and trying to keep the business going with a tough economy. There are days that Frank is really down trying to figure out a way financially to keep us afloat. It is a scary time when if something to happened to one and us and we could not work the trouble we would be in right away. We are thankful for what we have...each other, Frank IV, jobs, good family and friends and a roof over our heads (plus an extra one across the city). It seems selfish at times to be so worried about finances when others have lost family members, are sick or are worse off than we are. We have said all along we are praying about it and putting it in God's hands.

Yesterday's sermon at church reiterates that all we can do is put our troubles in God's hands. Jesus is our "life jacket" in times of trouble and he can get us out of the mess or walk with us through the mess. Jesus said in John 6:16-21 "It is I, do not be afraid." We have been praying for Jesus to help us and while we are still troubled, I do believe Jesus is there beside us holding us up. I wish Jesus would get us out of this financial mess (or at least send us a little sunshine instead of more rain) and sooner rather than later but patience is something I always pray for. And it may be God's will that we stay in the mess awhile longer while he continues to hold our hand. Either way, in this time of trouble I truly feel closer to Jesus and I am working daily to turn my troubles over to him. I am also thankful for what I have and pray for patience.

As we were driving up to Tivey's Mom funeral, a friend asked what did I want to do before I died? I answered other than to tell everyone I loved them - nothing. I am trying very hard to be thankful for where I am right now and for all the blessings that I have. I do not want to have regrets by not living in the moment we are given. The past is in the past and we cannot change it. We are just given this moment...so to my family and friends - I love you and appreciate you more than you will ever know!

Summer is almost over...general update

Frank has one more week of school before his vacation week then school starts up again. Starting in August Frank will be wearing a uniform to school except on free day Friday. he will have a school supply list to buy next week too.

Hopefully we will get a up little earlier and be on time for breakfast. Frank does not see the connected between going to bed earlier in the evening to not be so sleepy in the mornings. That way Mommy gets to work ontime!

Frank will be in Virginia for most of his vacation week visiting Nannie, Granddaddy, cousins Hunter & Jordan and Aunt Leanne and Uncle Jeff.

Mommy is teaching a CLE on Friday August 14 in Charleston so we will be there for the weekend most likely.

Daddy is busy at store - pray for increased sales as we have to make a decision about the current lease we are in.

The Riverwalk house is still for sale. Please pray for a sale soon.

Football season starts September 3, 2009. Let's Go Gamecocks!

Groceries week ending July 26

I still have to grab $10 worth of stuff including my salad mix for lunch next week to get my Publix penny item tomorrow but I am done with everything else. We did pretty good this week.

Kroger: TOP $26.70. Total Savings: 61% or $44.74. Total Coupons: $29.60 Free: cat treats (church), dog treats, Fiber One Yogurt (we got Key Lime) and Chaquita apple slices which Frank immediately ate. This includes Night time Pull Ups for 4.99 after coupon.

Bi-Lo: TOP $34.47. Total Savings: $44.03 or 56%. Total Coupons: $10.83 + $5 Bi Lo Coupon. nothing free. As usual, we got meat here...sandwich meat, ribs, hot dogs.

Publix: TOP $86.81. Total Savings $65.59 or 43%. Total Coupons: $26.20. Nothing free but Pillsbury reduced sugar cake mix was $.14 each

Total Coupons: Total Value Purchased: $302.94 . Total Paid: $147.98. Total Savings: $154.98 or 51%. Total Coupons: $47.86 + $5.00 Bilo catalina used.

And with all of this if I only had a big freezer I could have some even better deals!

Final Note; 2nd Publix trip; TOP $20.92. Total Savings: $33.88 or 62%. Total Coupons: $14.61. Free Chef Boyarde (with $.15 overage), free Publix tostito chips (Penny item rang up $.02 less than coupon since it was a replacement) .39 juice boxes and the peach that Frank IV started to eat in the store along with $.33 Crayola crayons. (We have started a school supply box while the buying is good :) )

Total Weekly Coupons: $62.47 + $5.00 Bi-Lo Cantalina.

Grocery Store shopping

The two weeks have been hectic with me being in Atlanta, coming home sinus infection, work and Tivey's Mom's funeral in Richmond so groceries were the last thing on the list. With that being said I did okay this week.

Publix: I saved $89.62 or 50%. For some reason my receipt is at least 2 feet long too. I did get 24 count Crayola crayons for $.33/each and free 6 pack of diet coke bottles. I got free McCormick black peppercorn and McCormick peppercorn mix seasonings. Also got free salad and free band aids.

Bi-Lo: I saved $63.74 or 41% plus a $5.00 catalina for next trip to Bi-Lo.
I got free Southern Homes Whole Wheat bread (nice kind), $.19 Suddenly Salad , $.10 Knorr side, can butterbeans $.30, $.44 Pert For Men shampoo/conditioner, & $.26 hydrogen peroxide counting $5 catalina next trip.

All trips without Frank IV.

Total Purchased Value: $333.69. Total OOP: $182.91 (spent very little last week so had to catch up some). Total Savings: $153.36 or 45%. Total Coupon Value: $49.52. Advertised Store Savings $103.84.

Seeing friends..

It was really nice to see and spend time with Angel, Mylene, Thuy and Tivey. I wish it had been for a happy occasion rather than a funeral. However, we are going to try and plan a happy weekend soon. We all said we could not believe how long ago we were at Wofford together.

I love y'all!

Back from Atlanta Market

and hard at work again. Thanks to Mom we have a much cleaner house and are getting Frank IV toys organized once again.

Came home sick yesterday but hopefully will be feeling better soon.

Overall, Market seemed slower than in January with many fewer people around at least to me. We made a couple of orders - got a pretty good deal at one place. We will have some really cute lunch bags for office ladies and kids along with cute backpacks in the next couple of weeks

Happy 4th of July

We are at home relaxing. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Grocery deals Week ending June 28

We are looking forward to having the 4th off this week from work and cooking the ribs we got last week on sale! With our savings this week we got some random items along with dog food, sandwich meat, drinks, bread and cheese.

All of this week's trips were made with Frank IV.

Bi-lo. We saved $48.33 or 54% in about a 20 minute run in trip. Got green tea bags for $.30 but nothing free.

Kroger. We took advantage of buying 10 race items twice to get two $3.00 off instantly. We saved $74.23 or 61%. Best deal with 10 Kool-aid packages for free and Domino sugar for $.09 and free BBQ sauce as well.

Publix. We bought Pull-ups (nightime $7.39 after $3.00 in coupons) plus 5 12 packs of Pepsi. Still we saved $50.10 or 48%. We did get free 12 pack and free mustard then Lysol cleaner at $.35.

We found several free items and out most expensive item was dog food $9.49 (smaller bag was on sale this week).

Total: $147.84 spent for $320.50. Total % saved: 54%. Total Coupon Value $68.23.

Easter Pics - Easter Egg Hunt at Grace

Happy Father's Day

We love you Granddaddy, Pap and Poppy Bob! Hope you have had a great day.

Grocery Store Trips Week Ending June 21, 2009

KROGER Shopping Trip pics (12 packs of Pepsi not shown)

Publix. Saved $40.01 and 44% this week. I stocked up on deodorant for Frank (4) and random other things that were on sale or that we needed like lunch stuff for both me and Frank. Nothing too exciting but all things we will use and eat. Although I did get two sets of free emory boards plus a little overage ($.22 in overage which almost paid for my 4 pack of Yoplait Yoplus Yogurt for $.25. )

Bi-Lo. I got a $.40 discount for bringing my own bags. Being green can save money sometimes! I saved $56.03 or 48% this week, including 6lbs of country style ribs, 3.6lb. of chuck roast and 3 8 oz rib eye steaks. That goes with the 2.5lb of Kraft cheese plus 32 slices, two boxes of Fruit Loops ($.55 each) , frozen McKenzie corn ($.26 each) Chips, popcorn, Ken's dressing, cinn rolls, grands, cookie dough and breadsticks (buy 4 get $2.00 instantly and I had a $.75 coupon), trix yogurt, salad mix and tomatoes and couple other things,.

And the fun trip was Kroger where I saved $60.02 or 57%. And I have a picture of this one. It is really kind of random things like cookies, shampoo, razers, 5 bags of animal crackers, bread, milk and 5 12 packs of Pepsi (one was free with 4/$12.00) which are not in the picture. The suave deodorant was free with coupon for one and $.25 for the other. Not too bad.

Total Coupons Used: $51.68

Frank IV was with me at Kroger and Publix which was interesting. We are pretty stocked up now as you might imagine. It looks like steak tonight for Father's Day.

Some pics from Frank's school party

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK! Turning Two is Fun!

Grace UMC VBS

This week is Vacation Bible School at Grace. Frank IV and I will be there every evening until around 8pm. We are looking forward to a great week of Edge VBS and learning new things. I am helping with the snack times for the VBSers and Frank will be in the toddler/preschool group.

Kideny Stone update

I did pass the one *moving* stone on the right side last Wednesday/Thursday. So I am feeling better at least. I still have the ones on the left side in my kidney. Not much they can do except tell me to call if have the horrible pain again...and to come back in 6 months.

Grocery Store Trips June 8-14

I had an awesome trip to Bi-Lo (they had a bunch of B1G1) where I saved 61%! Finally I have a trip where I pay less than 50%. I got $122.18 worth of groceries for $47.45 (before tax) . I bought batteries, lunch meat, All free and clear laundry detergent, spray and wash, cleaners, tomatos, apple slices, visine, excedrin, cards, Uno pizza, strawberries, Country Time lemonade, rice, heinz ketchup, Heinz 57, Laudry marinade (got Bi-Lo free on both of these as well), lots of full bags. Plus they were really nice about my coupons. Depending on the sales this week I may go to Bi-Lo first instead of Publix.

Unlike the Publix on Two Notch which was not nice about coupons, all of which were perfectly legitimate and I was not even buying any type of large amounts of anything. After that, all my coupons scanned (so there!) but I will not be going back to that Publix except for quick emergency items. I did save 40% at Publix which was good considering I bought several non sale, non coupon items and dog food.

The Publix on Forest Drive never gives me any hassles about coupons and the lay out is much nicer. I will just drive further to get to them.

And for a change I went to Food Lion for a couple of items cheese, Pepsi 12 packs, Marie Callender and I needed a clorox bleach pen for laundry that day. I saved 46% with the sales and two coupons. Basically I got 4 Kraft cheese $1.50 a chunck (with 1 $.50 coupon) a Marie Callendar steamer ($2.00 with $.75 coupon = $1.25 for nice frozen meal) , 4 Pepsi brand 12 packs, Clorox pen. After looking at my receipt closely they over charged on the drinks but it was still a pretty good deal but that would have put me at about 50% probably.

I used $51.15 in coupons and the rest were advertised savings!

Grocery Store Week Of June 2-9, 2009

Since I was sick I did not do as well, plus Frank and Frank came along which means a deviation from list...

Kroger: Saved 36% ($31.27) with Coupons including E-coupons. Pretty good considering I bought (2) cooked chicken for supper since I was not feeling like cooking, sandwich meat (4 containers), 24 oz of cheese, bananas, Lysol wipes (2), spray and disinfectent, Paper towels, milk and bread, chips.

Publix: Saved 35% ($60.42) with coupons and sales. Even better the most expensive thing was only 5.99 (and I have no clue that so must have been a Frank addition). We got 4 12 packs of Pepsi products, 4 things of juice, 5-6 packages of meat, salad, tomatos, frozen lunches, feta cheese (.50 each), 4 boxes of fruit roll ups/gushers and more..nothing I put in buggy was more than $4.00 (12 pack diet ginger ale) and that I had a coupon for!

I have been stocking up so maybe this week will be a slow one. It is looking like Publix and Bi-Lo are best bets unless I run to Food Lion just for the Kraft cheese special. I would really like to hit 50% savings!

Kidney Stones....

I was/am *SICK* with kidney stones...not fun! I spent all day last Friday running between doctors and testing centers. I am still experiencing bouts of back pain on a routine basis since I have not passed the stone on the right side and am hoping the ones they saw on left side stay put. It has been icky to say the least.

Thankfully Mama-ma came up Friday to help with Frank IV. She got him to help clean up so at least my house was clean for a change. Now Frank wants to know where his cup holder is in Mommy's car since Mama-ma's car has a cup holder in his new seat.

Yes I am drinking cranberry juice, yes I am trying to drink water (yuck) and I have another doctor appointment tomorrow at noon. Hopefully I will learn more then.

So I couponed...now I have to cook

Options for eating in this week...I really need to figure out EASY and quick recipes. Crock pot recipes are always good - I love coming home and just having to spoon out.

Tilapia
Pot Roast (still need potatos)
Tacos (turkey)
Chicken and beef Fajitas
Burgers /hot dogs
Chicken - whole or breasts or legs
Boston Butt - I need help cooking this one.
Flank Steak - again help with this one.
Pork Chops

Side items are usually veggies

Couponing this weekend...

I did pretty good although I know I can do better. Bi-Lo was best trip. And those who love us know we can be picky persnickity (Blakely) about what we eat so saving money is good.

At Bi-Lo, I got 4 bags of salad, two bags of cut up apples, 3 boxes of sugar free chocolate pudding ($1 off 3 boxes coupon) a 6 pack of Pepsi bottles, a bag of carrots, 2 bananas, 3 peaches, 1 onion, 2 - 4 packs of Hunt's pudding, and Herbal Essence Stylers $2.88 (with doubled .50/1 off coupon) and Bic Soleil Bella Razors $3.88 (with $3 off coupon) and I want to say something else that I cannot remember right now. But I spent than $20 total with savings of basically $20 and 50%. The Pepsi at $3 was most expensive with hair styler and apples being next most expensive. Fifty percent savings is good! It would be awesome to save 50% each trip.

At Kroger I bought Pullups ($10 in savings), bread, execedrin, lunch packs, gushers, fruit roll ups, frozen meals (3 with coupons), froz pizza, TGIF Fajitas, strawberries, bread (.78/loaf), milk (1.99 a gallon). paper towels (3.99 with coupon). I saved $29.31 or 28% using paper and e-coupons.

And finally Publix where I bought the bulk of my items, including 6 boxes of Little Bites, dog food, fish, pot roast, ground turkey, chop steak, fried chicken, bread, cherry tomatos, bread, sherbert, 4 bags of sandwich meat, yogurt covered raisins, feta cheese, 4 8oz Cabots cheese, swiss cheese, rice, 3 boxes of Capri Sun, fried onions, smartpop, pringles (free plus overage). p-nuts (.19 cents for Planters), jello, frozen peas, fruit cups, 4 canisters Crystal Light and more...I saved $70.86 and 34%.

All in all I went to three stores and saved over $60 using coupons I found in newspaper or online - easy peezy! And I seriously need a bigger freezer and more cabinet space.

Free Chocolate

While it lasts....

https://secure.realchocolate.com/

Blakely's newest wish...

Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Pink)

This is really neat small camcorder with flash drive you can plug directly into computer to transfer to dvd or save online for viewing. It looks easy and I have several friends who love them. I need something easy!

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a fun wekend with Nannie and Granddaddy here for a visit. They took Frank to the zoo where he had a blast with the animals. We also had lunch Sunday with Mama-ma and Pappy in Orangeburg.

Couponing...

I am looking forward to a workshop this Saturday on couponing and saving money. It is being given by Jenny at Southern Savers which is a great blog and website about Moms saving money. We need all the help we can get! Nannie and Granddaddy will be here to keep Frank IV since Daddy will be working at the store Satuday. That way we have a "frank sitter" and I can go hopefully get some great tips to help with what we use.

Business Update

Things have been picking up with Alphabet Soup and Cahoon's Closet. Frank has been working very hard to bring in new customers and new ideas. We have done some great t-shirts and lots of nice things for graduation gifts. We are still in the same location on Forest Drive and adding new stock all the time.

It is definitely hard working, being parents and business owners. Some days there are not enough hours to get everthing done. We are keeping up with things - just do not expect a "spotless" house if you come to visit. Frank IV managed to use chalk on the den furniture which we are still trying to figure out the best way to clean up along with all the chalk pieces on the floor! And now all he wants is play dough. Being two sure is fun!

Happy Belated Mother's Day

We had a relaxing day of church and home yesterday. We hope everyone had a good day as well.

Happy Easter 2009

Daddy flies Frank through the air after church.

Nannie and Frank look at flower cross.

Frank is busy with flowers

Daddy, Mommy & Frank IV after church.

May Day, May 2, 2009 at Brookland Academy

Frank & Zoe wait after being announced.

Frank and friends.

Frank was sleepy at first! He did a great job at 1st Runner Up.

Frank, Zoe and Brian after the May Day Court is announced.


We all had a great time at May Day 2009. Nana, Mama-ma, and Pap all came to see Frank perform. Frank's class did a great job on Ba Ba Ba Black Sheep.

Congrats to Frank IV

Frank came in first runner up at school for May Day. He will be part of May Day Court on Saturday May 2, 2009. Hopefully family and friends will be here to help him celebrate.

Happy Earth Day Everyone!

Happy Tax Day Everyone!

Remember to file for an extension if you do not file today to avoid penalties!

Easter Egg hunting

We will have pics soon from Frank's school Easter egg hunt and from the upcoming church one.

Happy Easter from the Cahoons

Frank's Spring Fundraiser

Brookland's spring fundraiser is now going on. Raffle tickets are $1 each. Prizes include $100 Wal-Mart Gift Card, $50 Cahoon's Closet Gift Card, and $25 gas card. You do not have to be present to win. If you want to purchase by check please make it out to me.

Frank's class is performing May 2, 2009, at 11am for May Day here in Columbia. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the fun time celebrating the children's performance.

"Mommy read another story, Mommy sing..."

Words by Frank whenever he does not want to go to sleep.

We read about 10 stories every night plus Mommy has to sing. This morning at 5AM...Mommy had to read two stories and sing before Frank went back to sleep until about 7:00. At which point Mommy let Frank watch Blue's Clues while Mommy got ready for work.

Another about me...

Three Things...

THREE NAMES I GO BY
1. Blakely
2. Mommy
3. Frank's Mommy / Mrs. Cahoon

THREE JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE
1. Lawyer
2. Environmental Intern (Santee Cooper)
3. Library Assistant (Wofford)

THREE PLACES I HAVE LIVED
1. Columbia, SC
2. Charleston/Moncks Corner, SC
3. HELL, a/k/a Gainesville, FL

THREE TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH
1. SportsCenter
2. Dora/Diego
3. Blue's Clues

THREE PLACES I HAVE BEEN
1. Rome
2. London
3. Paris

THREE PLACES I WANT TO GO
1. Carribean
2. Las Vegas
3. Key West

THREE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS
1. Outback steak
2. Apple pie
3. Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

THREE THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO
1. Hopefully selling our house
2. Singing in our church cantata on Palm Sunday
3. May Day (Frank's class is performing at school and they are too cute!)

THREE PETS THAT YOU HAVE OWNED
1. Brandy, the family dog while in school
2. Madison
3. Wolfie and Markie (current 4 legged babies)

THREE FAVORITE BANDS/ ARTISTS
1. Dolly Parton
2. Rascal Flatts
3. Eagles

THREE FAVORITE TEAMS TO WATCH
1. USC Gamecocks (football, basketball and baseball)
2. Duke Basketball
3. Atlanta Braves

THREE FAVORITE DRINKS
1. Sweet Tea
2. Coca-Cola (in the bottle)
3. Crystal Light Fruit Punch


***Thanks Dara for another fun about Me***

After 1 Day of March Madness

I am 12 for 16. Not too bad. :)

Happy Spring!

March Madness...

time is here!

Make your picks and get ready for last little bit of basketball before the season ends. I am sad SC lost in the NIT but hoping Duke does well in NCAA or else maybe I will find another cinderalla team.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Frank IV School News

The last performance for this school year will be at May Day, May 2, 2009 from 11am-1pm. The Theme is Nursery Rhymes Coming Alive. Frank's class is performing! We will also be selling raffle tickets after March 31, 2009 for $1.00 each. The 3 boys and 3 girls with the most sales get to be the May Day Court. *Expect a call for funds!* The prizes are $100 Walmart Card, $50 Cahoon's Closet/Alphabet Soup Gift Certificate and a $25 Gas Card. You do not have to be present to win. There will be pizza and drinks afterwards for those who attend and want some.

The other big news is that Frank will be transitioning his next class in June (all the kids are doing it). Then in August he starts with wearing the uniforms. Brookland is also working on the curriculem to expand it for the pre-schoolers.

Where is Frank IV sleeping...

This has been our theme this week. Where is Frank IV sleeping since he is not sleeping in Mommy's bed after Mommy has put up the gate in front of our room. He has ended up on the sofa every night. Last night he decided to switch ends of the sofa. Frank has gotten up each night and come back to see us but Daddy has been able to settle him back on sofa each time.

Now we have a nice toddler bed for Frank in his room. We ask every time, "do you want to sleep in car bed?" Instead of Frank sleeping in Frank's room - Wolfie sleeps there along with Markie who goes from den to bedroom. So the dogs sleep in the toddler's room and the toddler sleeps in the living room. I am happy to say that at least the only people or animals in Mommy's room are Mommy and Daddy. We said if no Frank then no dogs either. And last night he was tucked in and asleep by 9:40.

Welcome Baby Vidrine

Congratulations to Thuy and Lloyd on the birth of Anna Mai Vidrine on March 3, 2009. 5lbs, 3 oz.

We are looking forward to meeting Anna soon!

No school, no snow but Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss and Granddaddy!

Today is Dr. Seuss' 105th birthday! Today is Granddaddy's birthday as well (I think.) Happy Birthday to you!

Day care posted last night they were closing for the snow we were expecting. We got no snow anywhere near here....so Daddy is working from home today with Frank IV. Mommy is at the office trying to get caught up so she can leave around 4pm to relieve Daddy before he goes to the store.

BBC Book List

BBC Book List Meme
The BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up?

Instructions: Look at the list and put an 'X' after those you have read.

1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (X)
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien ( )
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte (X)
4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (X)
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee (X)
6. The Bible (x) (Most of it, anyway.)
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte (X)
8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell (X)
9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman (X)
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens (X)
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott (X)
12. Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy (X)
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller ( )
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare ( )
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier (X)
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien ( )
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk ( )
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger (X)
19. The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger ()
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot (X )
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell (X)
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (X)
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens ( )
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy (X)
25. The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams ( )
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh ( )
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky ( )
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck (X)
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (X)
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame ( )
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy (X)
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens ( )
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (X)
34. Emma - Jane Austen (X)
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen ()
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (X) (doesn't 33 cover this?)
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini - ( )
38. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres ( )3
9. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden ( )
40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne (X)
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell (X)
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown (X)
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ( )
44. A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving ( )
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins ( )
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery (X)
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy ( )
48. The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood ( )
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding (X)
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan ( )
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel ( )
52. Dune - Frank Herbert ( )
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons ()
54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (X)
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth ( )
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon ( )
57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens (X)
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley (X)
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon ( )
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ( )
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck (X)
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov ( )
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt ( )
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold ( )
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas (X)
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac ( )
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy ( )
68. Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding (X)
69. Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie ( )
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville (X)
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens (X)
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker (X)
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (X)
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson ( )
75. Ulysses - James Joyce ( )
76. The Inferno - Dante ( )
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome ( )
78. Germinal - Emile Zola ( )
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray (X)
80. Possession - AS Byatt ( )
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens (X)
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell ( )
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker ( )
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro ( )
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert ( )
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry ( )
87. Charlotte’s Web - EB White (X)
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom ( )
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (X at least some of them)
90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton ( )
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad (X)
92. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery ( )
93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks ( )
94. Watership Down - Richard Adams ( )
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole ( )
96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute ( )
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas ( )
98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare (X)
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl (X)
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo ()

Okay so I read 44 out of 100. Although clearly some of them are more than one book. I read all 7 Chronicles of Narnia books and all 3 Pullman books too. Most of them while I was in school...except for the Phillip Pullman ones which I read last year. So do not ask me about them...probably do not remember much!

Bucket List...

Place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not, then send it to your friends (including me).

THINGS YOU HAVE DONE DURING YOUR LIFETIME:
(X) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
(X) Watched someone die
(X ) Been to Canada
(X ) Been to Mexico
(X) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Hawaii
(X) Been on a plane
( ) Been on a helicopter
(X) Gotten lost
(X) Visited Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
(X) Recently colored with crayons
(X) Sang Karaoke
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only
( ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't.
(X) Made prank phone calls
(X) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa
(X) Kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
(X) Gone to the movies
(X) Been deep sea fishing
( ) Driven across the United States
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
( ) Been sky diving
( ) Gone snowmobiling
( ) Lived in more than one country
(X) Lived in more than one State/Province
(X) Admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(X) Wished upon a falling star
( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
( ) Visited the Statue of Liberty - I have been by it but not in it
( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
( ) Been on a cruise
(X) Traveled by train
( ) Traveled by motorcycle
( ) Been horse back riding
( ) Hiked through a slot canyon
(X) Ridden on a San Francisco CABLE CAR
(X) Been to Disneyland or Disney World
(X) Truly believe in the power of prayer
( ) Hiked through a rain forest
( ) Gone whale-watching
(X) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Ridden on an elephant
( ) Swam with dolphins
( ) Gone to the Olympics
( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China
( ) Witnessed a glacier calf
(X) Gone White Water Rafting
( ) Been spinnaker flying
(X) Been water-skiing(or tried to)
(X) Been snow-skiing/snowboarding (tried to)
(X) Been to Westminster Abbey
(X) Been to the Louvre / Prado
( ) Swam in the Mediterranean
(X) Been to a Major League Baseball game
( ) Been to a National Football League game
( ) Been to National Hockey League game

More Ordination Pictures...

Who is this adorable little boy?

The "men" wait for lunch...and wish they were on the boat fishin'

Mindy & Sheldon

Program and Bible

The Two look like Trouble!

Trouble Indeed!

Is this a photo shoot?

The Church

40 Questions...

40 Questions
Here are the rules: post this list replacing my answers with yours. Tag a few folks to do the same thing. Or don't.If I tagged YOU, it's because I want to know more about YOU!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, Mom and other relative far back in family tree.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? In Church on Sunday morning. I almost always get teary eyed at some point.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Yuck. None of it. I do not eat sanwiches.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I hope so.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Not really

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Not a big fan of cereal either...I like Chex Mix which is made from cereal though

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No I just kick them off

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile or not smiling...and like Dara I check out if they are wearing cute shoes.

14. RED OR PINK? Both!

15. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? The way I worry too much!

16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? hard question, not sure

17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? It is always intersting

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Gray pants, White sweater, Black shoes

19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Work...

20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Fuschia

21. FAVORITE SMELLS? The ocean. Cookies

22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?Client

23. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, I like Dara

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Football. College Basketball. Baseball.

25. HAIR COLOR? Brown

26. EYE COLOR? Hazel

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes

28. FAVORITE FOOD? Outback

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings.

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? In the theater? Could not tell you. On DVD? At Christmas, Mama Mia

31. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer.

32. HUGS OR KISSES? Both

33. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I have no idea.

34. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? See above.

35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Several differnt ones...Under Your Spell

36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? A mouse, computer head set holder, WOW statement

37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Dora and basketball on in background while cleaning up.

38. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

39. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Rome, Italy

40. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Charleston, SC

Happy Fat Tuesday...

Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day!

Frank IV and I are going to church tonight for Pancake Supper. Frank loves pancakes with syrup so it could get messy.

Google Game From Dara...

Google Madness!

Rules of the Google Game: Go to Google and type in quotation marks your name and then "likes to" (ex. "Steve likes to"). Type in the first ten things that come up and re-post in your own note (or if you are smart, copy and past them!). You must tag the person that sent this to you.

(1) Blakely likes to refer to as the”four Johns” (this is there 3x)
(2) Blakely likes to declare itself "The Peanut Capital of the World"
(3) Blakely likes to spout conspiracy theories.
(4) Blakely likes to point out, there are no secrets any more therefore any system that relies on secrets is inherently flawed.
(5) Blakely likes to spider-rig as many as a dozen poles.
(6) Blakely likes to stand in the middle of the street to make his photographs
(7) Blakely likes to do the same max effort work as George but also does a lot of J. M. presses
(8) Blakely likes to get out in the countryside on his snow- mobile
(9) Blakely likes to be dunked under water
(10) Blakely likes to sneak up behind you with a bullhorn when you least expect it.