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!