Friday, February 29, 2008

Wishing to Report All Healthy

That is not the case unfortunately. We all have felt better and I will be glad when we all do feel better again. The boys noses continue to pur forth green runny yuckiness and their little bodies produce fevers. They seem to feel okay, but their appetites have not returned. They are drinking well though. we were up with them a good bit last night and hubby was up for awhile fighting the reflux off.

I finally got the peds office on the phone yesterday and they told me it was viral and stop giving the antibiotics. They said if the fevers and symptoms started within 24 hours of each other it was forsure viral. I do not know though. They also said if the fevers are still over 102 on Saturday to come to after hours care. Lovely! I ran a fever and felt really yucky from Sunday until Tuesday. A little better on Wednesday. The boys started with fevers on Wednesday, so I figure by tomorrow I should see no fevers. I am praying!

We have been keeping busy by going through old magazines. They love to look at all of the pictures and show Mommy their finds. I cooked quite a bit again yesterday and I need to gett busy with the laundry.

I am going to put the boys in their cribs and get ready. MY parents are coming here or I am taking the boys over there ( this option probably) and they are going to watch them for awhile. I need to run to CVS and the grocery store, as well as Wal-mart and the post office. I have not been out of the house since last Saturday!!! Holy Cow that's a long time! I hope my energy stays up long enough. Then I am taking my Daddy to my nephew's b'ball game and Mother is going to watch the boys while we are gone. That is not until later this evening though.

I am working on some posts that I hope everyone will find refreshing, since all I write about lately is sickness.

While we are on the sickness issue. My mil is getting worse. Her mind is all but gone. They have uped the dosage and the times of day she receives morphine. She is in so much pain. The hospice nurse said when her pain increases, she stops eating and her vitals start changing that those are signs of the times. All of that is or has happened. She is also very yellow, they suspect her liver is starting to shut down. Please keep her in your prayers, her name is Marilyn.

So, on a lighter note, I hope you all have a blessed day and are looking forward to a glorious weekend. Many blessings to you all!!!!!!!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Free Outdoor Activites

I started looking for free fun outdoor activities that we can do with our twins. Here is what I came up with. I hope you find this useful.


Go to the park

Bird watching

Butterfly hunting (and identfication with older children)

Taking pictures

Strolling, hiking, walking

Camping

Treasure hunting

Gardening (vegetables and/or Flowers)

Putting up a bird house and /or feeders)

Drawing with sidewalk chalk

Playing games such as hopscotch

Playing catch

Flying a kite

What free outdoor activities do you enjoy with your family? Please share......


Blessings!!!

........Morning

No, it does not have a good in front of it. It is an absolute beautiful day with the sun shining, the birds chirping and he squirrels playing. It is a balmy 23 degrees!!!

It has been a rough yesterday, last night and this morning is some better. Tiger's fever made it to 104.3 yesterday and Monkey's over 102. Monkey was up at midnight. Tiger was up at 1:30am, 2:30 am, 3:30 am and in the bed with me at 5:20am. I am exhausted. They both are sneezing and have runny noses. Tiger is still coughing. They are both drinking plenty, but not eating so well. And we just finally got on the growth chart after months and months of waiting. I'm sure Dr. H. will understand. Suggestions are welcome. How do you get your littles to eat when they are sick?

We are going through Amoxicillin, prescription cough medicine, Tyneol and Ibuprofen like crazy. Thank goodness for all the OTC stuff I stocked up on at CVS (and for free). I started taking a multi vitamin again and the immune boosting stuff Sambucol (all free from CVS). Also am still taking Robitussin (free from CVS) and Augmentine. I think with all that I should already be well!!! LOL! I wish!!

Tiger had a runny diaper this am. Definitely no fun. I hope that whatever this is is not viral too. I hate to see my sweet children so sick. My home tour will be postponed for a day or maybe a few. I'm sure you all understand that have had sick children. I am putting a post up that a wrote a few days back. It is getting warm weather and that gets you thinking......... outside activities. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and many blessings!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

And The Winner Is...........

Well, I went through the coupons and ended up with the original pack of $250. Then I also had another pack, it contains over $150. So, there will be 2 winners. Thank you all for participating. You all are winners in my book.



I am looking forward to getting these post that you asked for done. I hope to get started on them tomorrow (assuming my twins are better). Thank you all again!

The first name I drew won the $250 and the second name won the $150.

Mimi, you are the first winner.

Mykidsmom, you are the second winner.

Congratualtions to you both.

Mimi, I have your info from the coupon train. I will get them out to you tomorrow.

Mykidsmom, email your name and mailing address at blessedfrugalness@hotmail.com.

Blessings!!!!!!

Signs of a Bad Day

When you wake up to your children crying like they are in the claws of a bug. Okay a bit dramatic. It is a bug though....the cold/flu type that their Mommy has tried to avoid giving them for the last 3 days. They both had fever 102.3 this morning and runny noses. Tiger had the cough and they both were sharing the sneezing. Say a little prayer we all get over this together and quickly. It seems if it lingers we just pass it back around.

Last year the boys were not sick with this kind of stuff at all. Insurance paid for them to have the antibodies (Synagis) to fight off RSV (that season lasts from October until April). That also helped with all germs. Insurance would not pay for it this year. You may be wondering why we did not just pay for it. Well, it runs around $5,000.00 per month for both children. Multiple that by 8 months and you get $40,000.00!!!! We are feeling the effects of low immune systems now!!!!

Today the speech therapist comes. Then I have to drag them out in the cold and go to CVS to get my medicine. Only I, in person is allowed to pick it up. The joys of being me!!!!!!! I have a friend meeting me to stay with he boys in the SUV so I can run inside. Thank you Ms. J!

I will name the winner of the coupons this afternoon! No exact time......but before 5pm. I will draw around 12pm.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and many blessings!!!!!!
My two little blessings and I are going to stay curled up together on the couch and rest today!! Everything else is on hold........

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Don't Forget

Don't forget to leave a comment and register for the $250 worth of coupons to be given away tomorrow at 12 noon (central time). Look at post below for more info. Blessings!!!!!

Ready for a Nap

I am more than ready for a nap! I am feeling some better.
My Dad went back tot he dr and all is going as suppose to. I am trying to cook their supper and ours as you will see below.

Today has been busy and the boys have been feeling bad too. They are cutting teeth yet again! Two each to be exact and having fits with it. They both started with runny noses this morning and a little sneezing and coughing. I guess I passed it on. So much for Lysol and Clorox!!!!!!

I have made some phone calls (one of which to the doctor to get some more antibiotics).
Made the bed.
Cooked breakfast and lunch.
Have chciken in the crockpot for supper.
Made 2 seven layer salads.
Made 12 strawberry cupcakes and 6 mini cakes
Made 2 apple pecan cobblers
Loaded the dw and ran it
Made a gal. of tea
Did 2 loads of laundry and put 2 away from yesterday
Made myself halfway presentable (in my pajamas....hey...they are fresh and clean!)

I need to clean the stove
Fry okra
Cook hb steaks
Make onion rings and hubby a tossed salad
Do some paper work
Bal checkbook, pay bills
Call CVS
Unload dw and start loading again
Do 2 more loads laundry
Call hubby and get him to bring some vanilla ice cream home

That all will wait. I just put the boys down for a nap amd now the sick, tired Mommy is going down too! Sweet dreams and many blessings!!!!!!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Free For All !!

UPDATE: NEW POSTS BELOW!
I AM KEEPING THIS BUMPED FOR NEW READERS!

Today is free for all. Of sorts. I have a pack of coupons worth over $250 !!! I will giving away Wednesday at 12 pm. Leave a comment about something you want me to post about or something you would like to see featured on my blog. Advertise my giveaway on your blog and leave a comment and you will entered twice to win!!!

On to the next item. I have had a few emails asking me questions about one thing or another. this is your chance to ask anything you wish. Please keep it family friendly is my only request. Also I do have the right to use my own discreton when answering these questions.

I look forward to hearing from you all!!!! Blessings!!!!!!

Where to Start?

Thanks you all for your prayers. My Daddy came through the surgery fine. His eye is hurting a good bit though and he is quite uncomfortable.

I am still sick and the household stuff is piling around me as I type. It is awful. I hate being sick, at least my kids are not sick this go around (at least not yet)! Trying to find a starting point and knowing what needs to be done torture in itself. It hurts to talk and I sound like a smoker with a real gruff voice (I have never smoked a minute in my life).

The boys have been a real handful today and trying to stay away from 2 almost 2 year olds is virtually impossible! I just don't want them to catch this.

We have been presented with some challenges with Hubby's employment.

OPTION #1
My hubby has the job offer with the new company doing the same job. However, he found out it pays $40 less per day times 5 and a half days per week. It is also 10 miles longer in his pickup to get back and forth to work a day. Also $1700.00 out for 2 months of Cobra Coverage, until new insurance kicks in.

OPTION # 2
His present company had 2 days worth of work to do for half of what he is making now. Starting May 1 they have 4 days work for more than he's making now. He also would be off Tuesday and Wednesday (as well as Sunday). This would be more time to help on the farm. The hours are long though. 2 days are 18 hour shifts. The other 2 are 14 hours. I just don't know what we would do for those 2 months, that the work would just be part time. We would not have the $1700.00 in Cobra to pay by him doing this.

So we are at square 1 again and Saturday is his last day on this particular job. like I said he could stay with the same company for option #2.

Please pray that he would let God lead his heart and our family. Please pray that I would let him be the man of the house (even though he values my opinion) and that he would go where he needs to be.

As you can tell I am having a very difficult day today and I just needed to get it all out. Thank you all for being here for me. You are such wonderful friends. Many blessings on you!!!!

My Favorite Chicken Salad

I love this recipe. Everyone has their own variation and this one is mine.


2 c. fully cooked, chopped or shredded chicken

1/2 toasted nuts (I use pecans)

3/4 c. seedless grapes washed and halved

3/4 mayo


Mix well and chill for 2 hours. Serve on crescent rolls, over crackers or as a sandwich. I also like a little celery in mine but was out. I would normally put 1/4 cup finely chopped.

Blessings and ENJOY!!!

CVS Trip

I made a couple different trips last week to CVS. I got the diaper deal buy $30 get $15 ECBback and some more goodies. I also got 2 free gallons of milk. Here's the deal.....

The Post cereals were bogo and I had $1 coupon on 2.
I had free milk coupons up to $4 per gallon when you buy 4 Post cereals.
I got 8 boxes of cereal and 2 gal. of milk. I also got Sooth XP eye drops $10.99 and Organix shampoo $6.99. the shampoo has a rebate offer on it for the full amount of $6.99. When i ge that back it will be free.

Total before discounts and coupons.......$58.48
After discounts and coupons....$30. 52.
With tax...$33.27

I used my $30 store credit and my out of pocket was $3.27 that I paid for with a gift card! Yay! I thought that was pretty good.
Hope you all have blessed savings this week!

Another Sick Sunday

Yesterday was pretty good. Did not find the boys party supplies or any Eastery looking clothes.

We did make it to Aldi and to eat with our friends that have b/g twins (one day older than the boys). It was a nightmare. We went to O'Charley's. Our first time there. Waited 45 minutes to be seated. Got our appetizer before we got our drinks or bread. Finally got our drinks 15 minutes later. Our food came 45 minutes after the drinks (water, milk and sweeet tea). The kids were miserable and so were us adults. The thing was that the seating was only half full. The place was NOT crowded at ALL!!! Our friend (the twins Mom) is diabetic, she had to give herself insulin at the table and ask for bread or crackers. She was getting sick. Well, that didn't help. We both spoke to the manager, the assistant manager and the kitchen manager. We all still had to pay full price for our meals and all. We had to ask repeatedly for refills, never did get any extra napkins, after one basket of bread that was all we got. One of the entrees was fixed incorrectly and never redone. We were there for 2 1/2 hours!!!! WE paid with cash and our friends paid with a debit card. Come to find out our waitor was a work release inmate and that was his first night on the floor as he told it. Lord help us. Needless to say our friends were a little upset that they had just nhanded their debit card to a newly released parolee!!! We finally made it out of the place and said our goodbyes. Changed the kiddos diapers, loaded up and hubby says, "I don't feel so good"! Great! We make it across the street to Milos's. He runs inside and to the restroom. He is so sick!!!! He comes out and sits in the SUV for a few minutes and back in he goes.......sick again. He finally is feeling better 20 minutes later, so we start on the hours drive home. I happened to have a couple of Pepcid in my purse and he took those. I will be contacting their corporate headquarters tomorrow if still alive!!!! Smile.......

We were told that kids eat free everyday, allday. Does that really make it okay? I think not!!!!

Get home and I do not feel well. By 9pm I had a fever, the chills, coughing, sore throat, earache, headache and plain yuckiness! Not related to the other incident of course. I stayed home from church and the boys are nursing me back to health.......another funny! Hubby went to church and is stopping to see his Mom on the way back home. She is just getting worse everyday.

My Daddy is scheduled to have eyesurgery in the am at 8. Please send prayers up for him. I hope you all are well and have a wonderful Sunday!!!!!!! Many blessings!!!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Almost Two

I cannot believe that my boys turned 23 months old today. They are getting so big and vocal. Yay!!! We are getting ready for their big birthday party next month. It will be a John Deere theme. I am so excited about this party! They are learning so fast and growing up quickly

We are going tomorrow for Easter outfits and party supplies to the city. That will be fun. We also are going to make stops at Aldi, Babies R Us, the party store and Target. We are going to meet our friends that also have twins for dinner at O'Charley's. I am going to meet a friend in the am at CVS to get the diaper deal again on her card. Thanks C.T., you are too sweet!

I went to CVS today and got some good bargains. That's for another post though.

Looking forward to a great weekend! Hope yours is wonderful as well! Blessings!!!

Meatball Soup Crock-pot Style

I had most of this and it needed to be used, so I threw it together (for my parents supper last night) and it was pretty good. I thought I would share the recipe.I served it with a salad and cornbread.



1 # meatballs

3 c. beef broth

2 - 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes

1 c. cubed potatoes

3 c. frozen veggies ( I used corn and green beans)

1/2 c. onion, finely chopped

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. black pepper



Cook on high for 6 hours. Serve hot and ENJOY!!!!



Blessings!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Busy as a Bee!

First and foremost I would like to announce that my husband has been hired by the company that won the contract. He and the other driver as well. They wll do the formalities (interview, drug screens and physcials) over the next few days. The company provides insurance (we pay our part) so we do NOT have to get indivuial coverage. Also, it is effective after 60 days and NOT the average 90. That means we will only have to pay the cobra coverage for 2 months (at $846.00 a month mind you). Can you say OUCH!!!??? We do not know how much our part will be with the new company or what hubby's pay will be, but similar I would think to what he makes now. We will find out tomorrow. His position ends on February the 29th (a Friday) and he starts with the new company (same job) the following Monday the 3rd! So.....Praise the Lord with me, raise those hands and shout his glorious name.

I have been really busy today. It is cold here, as well as windy and very rainy. Praise the Lord for that too....we need it (the rain that is)! The boys and I have hung out in our p.j.'s today. I thought that would keep me out of work.....boy was I wrong.

My parents have been out of town since Monday and should be arriving home any moment. I have their supper made with a salad, cornbread and meatball soup.
Our supper is chicken salad. I also have 2 roasts in another crock-pot cooking away for the freezer. 5 loads of laundry behind me. Another drawer cleaned out, organized and simplified (some stuff for yard sale pile). I balanced the checkbook, made a gallon of tea and cleaned the boys humidifer.
I also loaded, unloaded and am reloading the dw (I was behind). I made our bed swept the kitchen. vaccumed the dining room and the living room and swished the toilets. I am going to get the garbage ready since tomorrow is pick up day (actually 2 am). Then I am going to straighten things up a bit more and clean out my purse.
I also played and prayed with my children, cooked their b'fast as well as their lunch, we read , did puzzles, drew, worked on the #2 and the letter A and the color red. I also have read several blogs and commented and would like to take a long hot bath tonight with a good read!

I hope you all have a wonderful evening and I will see you tomorrow. Blessings!!!!

Home Tour: The Kitchen

I love having so many cabinets.
My kitchen is my favorite room. It is where I nuture and create. It is where we always sit down as a family. We share here and we pray here.

I love my kitchen. I have the Pfaltzgraff Delicious pattern for my glasses and dishes.

There is a lazy susan on the top and in the bottom cabinets.




The canisters on the top of the fridge were another yard sale find for $.25 each.

The ribbons are for my canned products that I have entered in our county fair since the year 2000. There are about 200 or so I would guess.

I picked up the barstools also at a yard sale for $5 each.

I also really like my island. It is almost 7' and very handy to have for a couple of extra places for sitting


I hope you have enjoyed the tour of my kitchen. What's the favorite feature in your kitchen? Mine are my dishwasher and smooth top range. I also like my roll out garbage cans, roll out cabinet shelves and the lazy susans.



Blessings!!!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Speedy Breakfast Casserole

1# ground sausage

2 cans crescent rolls

1 - 8 oz. cream cheese

1 - 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese



Brown sausage and drain. Stir in cream cheese. Roll out 1 can of rolls in bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Pour sausage mixture over; sprinkle cheddar cheese over; then roll other can of rolls over cheese. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes.

Serve with scrambled eggs, toast and fresh fruit.

ENJOY!!!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

One of the Many Reasons I Love My Hubby!



Here the boys are with my sweet husband right before bedtime reading a Bible story. I love him so much because he wants to instill Christ in them. How blessed I am!!!


Blessings!!!

Going Over Budget This Month on Groceries

This month has been a little harder than most. We use http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ for our food and they decided instead of Alabama picking up their orders the middle of the month, we will began picking them up the end of the month. So that was 2 weeks to be accounted for in there. This is a great way to save on your grocery bill by the way!

Also, when we get our tax refund we usually restock on some things to last for another year or so. We have not had a cow slaughtered this year so we are a little short on meat compared to usual. Also we did not get our freezer stocked with as much venison as normal.

Needless to say we are going to be over budget this month, but that's okay. At least we have the cash and it will not be on a credit card!!! Can I get an AMEN? I found some great sales yesterday at our local Piggly Wiggly. they cut their own meat as well as grind it and they carry only black angus, so we love their meat department.

This is what I got:
2 family pk. Center Cut pork Chops $1.98 lb
2 med. pk. Ground Round reduced to $1.79 lb
2 Sirloin Tip Roast $1.99 lb
Salad bogo
2 1/2 lb. Red and White seedless grapes $1.59 lb
Hot Dogs bogo
2 Nutty bars .89
10 lb. bacon $10
chocolate ice cream $1.59 half gal.
4 lg. bell pepper reduced $1

I paid 55.63 ans saved about $45. I thought that was excellent. I am very tickled to be able to stock a little in the freezer!
Do you stock your freezer too? What do you put in it?

Blessings!!!

CVS Savings

I went to CVS today and I racked up. I also had a prescription filled and had a $30 coupon for a gift card. The cashier scanned the coupon first and was suppose to scan the gift card first, the manager had to be called, he had to inturn call the corp. office and it was a mess. Then I finally got the word that the coupon was invalid because the system had already read it (it had already been scanned) and would not take it again. So they said I could use it as a $30 store credit. But, I had to use it all at one time. MAN, that stinks. So now I will use it next week. I was so diappointed, but I tried to be nice and it worked. At least he didn't refuse to do anything. He did not apologize though and it was the store's fault. I forgot to take pictures of my bargains but here's the list of my loot:

2 Colgate tb $2.99each-$.75 coupon + $2 back in ECB each
4 post Cereal bogo $3.99 each -2 $1.00 coupons
1 gal. milk $4.29- $4.00 coupon for free milk when you buy 4 post cereal
1 Gillette Venus razor $9.99 -$2 coupon + $6 ECB back
3 Covergirl powders $7.99 each -$2 coupons each + $10 ECB back
I also had a $4 off of $20 coupon

total before coupons $60.01
after coupons $33.37 and I paid with $32.00 in ECB from last trip.
I only paid $1.37 out of pocket

Next:
2 pk. Huggies diapers $8.99 each -2 $1.50 coupons
1 - 8 pk. AAA Engerizer batteries $5.29- $1 coupon
1 - 24 ct. pk. Kotex pads $2.50- $2 coupon
1 - 160 ct. Huggies wipes refills $4.99 - .75 coupon
and $15 ECB back

total before coupons $30.76
after coupons $ 23.51
I paid with $23.00 ECB from last time (not above) and was only out $0.51!!!

That means I got back $35 in ECB from the above transactions to use next time! Yay!
Savings were $88.89!

Happy CVSing!!!! Blessings!

Why and How I can

Crazy title I know. I just wasn't sure how to title this one. I have had some negative and some psoitive questions about my housekeeper and my Mother's help and baby sitter. With all you have and don't have finanically how can you afford this? And other questions. So I am going to post about this. Also about letting my kids watch televison. So here goes. One mail reasonI keep the house so clean is the health factor. My boys were a little more than 2 months early and their lungs were very under developed and still are. There lungs are the size of a 14 month olds. They are almost 23 months old. They cannot filter things out as well as adults or even children their age.

My bestfriend C.T. cleans my house every other week. I pay her the average amount for this area. She works a full time job as well. It usually takes her 6 hours or so to do general cleaning from one end to the other, (our house is a little over 2200 sq. ft. and has 14 rooms. She does an excellent job. I pay her with money I have made from Ebay, our semi-annual yard sales and/or consignment shop sales. This is my gift to me. My husband agrees fully and he wants me to do this. Having multiples does not allow for a lot of deep cleaning. She also does my spring cleaning. She has been helping me for about 5 or 6 years. We have been friends for about 10 or 11 years. She is so sweet and I know I can always count on her. She knows all of my secrets inside and out and I hers.

C.T.'s daughter, J.T., who is a college student also helps us out with the boys. She helps in crunches, since she also works another job. She is also a sweet heart. I can always depend on her as well. She gets paid a flat sum, per day.

My Mother's helper is a sweet young lady (K.J.) we have attended church with all of her life. Her grandfather was my husband's preacher for 25 of his 31 years of life. Her Mom and I are friends and she is very well loved by all. She just has that gift with children. She will be helping a lot this summer, if the Lord decides to supply us with a crop this year (as was NOT the case last year). She also gets paid a flat sum per day. She knows and is certified in cpr as well as infant cpr. She is wonderful with our kids and I have no problem leaving her and going about my business or a date with my husband. She can cook and clean up after my children and if I need help while they are napping she is more than willing to help. Keep in mind my parents and other family live right her on this large farm and could be here in an instant say if the tv caught on fire or something! She also comes once or twice a month on Saturday's to help out or so hubby and I can go out. She also helps on various days when she is out of school (say President's Day). My hubby is all for me having a helper and it makes it much easier. She also works with them on signinh as well as whatever letters and numbers we are doing that week or anything else that needs to be incorporated.

My parents watch the kiddos in a crunch as well. My Mom keeps them a couple three hours once a weeks (usually) so I can get our groceries, their groceries and run errands. They also watch one if I need to take the other to an appointment, etc. They love my kids as if they were their very own. We spend a lot of time with them. We pay them with hugs and kisses! ;)

As for televison. My kids have hardly ever seen a tv on. When we go on a long trip to the dr or something of that nature we let them watch Barney or Veggie Tales or something on those lines on dvd. There is almost nothing on these days other than rubbish and I would like my children not to see such. They watch a Braves game or maybe a Packer's game or say an Auburn game with their Daddy ever once in again. We are going to let them start watching a little more of Educational and Christian based cartoons when we get another televion. I am very hands on with them and I personally feel that God gave them to me to teach not for me to sit in front of a tv for a babysitter. We do a lot of finger painting, puzzles, play dough, coloring, drawing, etc. I feel good about this and I love to see my child's minds growing through creative play and art.

So, this is where we are and I am happy about it. I love my life and I am so blessed!!! God is so good.......all of the time, that includes fires, crop loss, health crisis, premmie babies and job losses!

Blessings!!!

Honey Apple Cake

Here is the recipe some of you emailed me about. I made it for my Mom's birthday this year per her request. I have been making this cake for almost 10 years. It is so yummy!!!!!!


1 c. sugar
1 c. vegetable oil
2 eggs
3/4 c. honey
1 t. vanilla
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 t. ground cinnamon
3 c. apples, peeled, cored and chopped (I prefer Golden Delicious)

Preheat oven to 325. Grease and flour a bundt pan. In a large mixing bowl, mix sugar and oil. Beat eggs one at a time into the above. Stir in honey. Combine flour, powder, soda, salt and cinnamon; stir into batter just until good and moist. Fold in apples and vanilla. Bake for 55- 60 minutes, check with toothpick. Let cool 10 minutes.

NOTE*********** This cake usually browns easily, too easily. After it has browned to amount desired, lay a piece of foil over the top to prevent it from burning.

Blessings and ENJOY!!!

Marva's To-Do

Here we go again:



Call: newspaper office, Dr. H., Air Q., Salon
Write posts
make tea
laundry
make bed
shower
unload dw
cook supper
order boy's b'day party stuff
bal. checkbook
make project list
read in books and Bible
make spring cleaning list
cook: hb meat, chops and roasts for freezer

Hope you all have a great day! Blessings!!!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

What a Night!

Hubby and I went to The Top O' The River for supper! It was so yummy. I had gulf shrimp and he had catfish and popcorn shrimp. Then we went and saw Fool's Gold. It was good, not that I would go again. Okay for someone like me) that has NOT seen a movie in almost 4 years. We also found the hubby a gorgeous suit. He has had the same one for the last 13 years (since he was 18) and cannot get into it anymore and the slacks are just a little see through. So we shelled out the money and got one. He is SOOOOO hard to fit and I have never found one at the thrift stores even close. So we made the investment. He looks so handsome in it. Also got hima tie to amtch and it will all be perfect for Easter!

We got home to learn that our only tv had a small fire coming out of the back of it while the sitter was watching it and she took care of it and now we have a borrowed 15 inch sitting in its place. It is burnt up and the plastic is melted. The smell still lingers.......... YUCK!

I stayed home with the boys since we had 40 mile an hour winds today with cold rain. Hubby went though. The central heating/ac unit is doing funny things as well. We will just add this to all of the other things that has happened as of late! I am smiling believe it or not! I have coffee (decaf, but coffee)!

It will all be okay and tomorrow is the sweet beginning of another week. I have my Mother's helper coming tomorrow and I am so looking forward to that! Hope you had a great Sunday. We did NOT get to watch the race and I still do not even know who won. Nico, tell me. Maybe I'll just stop by your blog and see.

Have a great week and many blessings!!!!!!!!

Friday, February 15, 2008

Looking Onward

Today has been one of those non stop days. I have been on the go all day, well, practically!

I went to the p.o., Sonic, Wal-Mart, Cato's and Shoe Show. Came home fed the boys put them down for a nap. Then I put me down for a nap due to a migraine. Got up showered, did some laundry and ironed. We had leftovers or at least I did. I got the boys ready and dressed (they stayed with my Mom this am). Hubby came in and changed, then we picked up my Daddy and headed to my nephew's basketball game, came home put the boys in bed and hubby and my Daddy left going to my oldest nephew's area tournment game. Whew! I ate a snack, loaded the dw and now I'm going for a long hot soak! With a book, Ms. Ellie!!!!!! Let's hope the kiddos stay alseep while I do that.

The boys had to have new shoes and I could not find any at the thrift store, Wal-Mart or Ebay that I liked or even came close to what I was looking for. I found 2 pairs of solid white K-Swiss that will double as a nice white casual shoe as well. They were marked to......hold your breath............$24.98 a pair. Oh, how I hate to even write that. I told the girl at the check out I had never paid over $8 for a pair for them and I think she thought I had lost my marbles. Anyhoo, i found a pair of white leather keds for $13 on clearance. Just my size....an 11. Got to have a big foot for a tall girl. I am only 2 inches from 6'! I also found my Valentine's Day present. I got the cutest UnionBay purse/bag. I did pay regular price at $19.99, but I will use it till it falls apart, so I don't feel quite so bad. I am one of those Mommy's that never buys herself ANYTHING!! I also got a little surprise in that cute purse/bag, unforunately ! A matching wallet. That WAS NOT suppose to be in there!!!! The tag on it said $11.99!!!! The cashier did not even look in it, nor did I until I got home. I called and told them that I would return it next week when I go back into town. I really hate it when something like that happens.

I also got a long denim skirt and a long black skirt at Cato's both marked to $6.99 each, thank you very much!

Now, with all that said, we priced cobra coverage today and in dependent health as well. I do not even like to think on that. $846.00 a month for cobra and $540.00 a month through Alfa. Both are BC/BS of Alabama. Hubby has also had another job offer working as a heavy equipment operator. So we will see where this and the other offer lead.


Tomorrow we will have a sitter. We are going to our favorite restaurant. Then on to see a movie. We also will visit with Hubby's mom on the way. She is still doing poorly.
We really need some time to ourselves. It has been along time since we have just been able to catch a few hours for us.

Last night I cooked a crock-pot style pork loin, made bbq baked beans, potato salad and a honey apple cake. All of that was for my mom. Her b'day was yesterday. It was quite good, as of the compliments I received. MY Mom was so happy.

I think that is all for now. I hope you all have a blessed weekend! Blessings!!!!!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Progress.......Progress!!!!

I refused to post my to-do's on the blog today. I have had so many getting backed up that I have not been able to start and some not to finish. So, I have actually gotten a ton accomplished today. Maybe because I did not have a list pushing me!!! Boy, do I feel good about that!!! Here's what I've done:

cleaned out 4 all 4 drawers in the kitchen and washed them down

cooked a pork loin for tonight's bbq brirthday dinner for my Mom

made potato salad and bbq baked beans to go with it

made a homemade honey apple cake for her (she decided on this and not carrott)

cleaned and straightened our bedroom

did 5 loads laundry

unloaded dw and started reloading it

made some phone calls and answered emails

finished Valentine's and got them and birthday gifts wrapped

emptied garbage cans throughout the house

I thought that was a fairly productive day! Blessings!

Tour of My Home




I wanted to start taking a day each week and let you take a tour of my home. Today we are starting with the masterbath. We also have a two seat shower in there, but there was is no good way to take a picture of it. Also our master closet/dressing room is right off the master bath. I love the color lavendar, can you tell? I love taking a long hot bath and just relaxing. This is one of my favorite rooms! What is your favorite room?

Happy Valentine's Day!

I just wanted to wish you all a day full of love and hearts!!!!!! May HIS love always be in your heart! Hope your day is wonderful!!! Blessings!!!!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Finding New Blessings

UPDATE: Another answered prayer....
The boss over the contract (Company S) that was lost by Hubby's company (A) is recommending him to the new company (company B, that won the contract) for the same position. This new company (B) want the same driver's to stay on with them. Does this make sense? We are so thrilled. Please pray that this is the Lord's will and it works out.



Today looks like a busy one thus far.
Monkey is feeling some better, but he does NOT like me to put the Polysporin on his boo boo. It is still a very sensitive area.
I am feeling better about things. Sometimes it can all seem overhwelming. Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging words. Thank you for NOT judging me.
It is snowing here this morning and the weather men were not even calling for it. The ground has almost none but it is beautiful to watch.
On today's agenda:
  • order ink
  • cook supper
  • shower
  • organize coupons
  • make Valentine's
  • make bed
  • laundry 3 loads (at least)
  • unload dw
  • clean up our bath and bedroom
  • call ins. co.
  • call UAB
  • call AQAS ( battery)
  • order boys birthday party stuff
  • bath night for the boys
  • clean out canning cabinet
  • clean out dish towel/cloth drawer
  • wrap mom and Ava's gifts (birthday tomorrow)
  • sweep around front door, replace old rug w/ new one

Now, here are my blessings.

  • I can stay busy and have PLENTY to do to take my mind off of things
  • I have 2 relatively healthy babies after brain bleeds. sespis, jaundice, lung disorders and prematurity, Tiger crashing too many times to count, etc. I have to get their post written soon!
  • Our home and vehicles are paid for
  • My parents are so wonderful and are there for us whenever
  • It is snowing this morning
  • I am healthy, even after open heart surgery (I did carry TWO babies at the same time)
  • My husband loves me unconditionally
  • We have lived through harder times in the past (come to think on it)
  • I have an awesome FATHER that is in control, Thank you Lord for loving me!
  • I have a great bunch of friends that love me and pray me through even though we've never met in real life.

Thank you all for being so great!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Alabama Apple Wraps

I am still around. Here's a well loved recipe from my kitchen. Not up to posting today and quite busy. I will see you tomorrow!!!! Blessings!!!

4 apples, cored and halved

1 can crescent rolls

SAUCE:

1 c. o.j.

1 c. sugar

1/2 stick margarine

1 t. vanilla

Unwrap rolls and separate. Wrap each apple half with a crescent roll. Place in a 13X9 (spray with non-stick spray) baking dish. In a saucepan, heat sauce and pour over wrapped apples. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.
ENJOY!!!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Feeling Down and Out

WARNING: THIS IS A DEPRESSING POST!!!!



I have plenty to be thankful for and perhaps I should also tell of that, but at times like this I feel a little......lost?!
let's see what's going on in my life:
  • Mother-in-Law is dying of cancer. The hospice nurse says maybe 2 weeks.
  • Son is very uncomfortable and in pain from hydrocele surgery and circumsicion revision
  • He is getting glasses soon (at less than 2 years of age)
  • Wondering if I am going to have a job this year (with my parents, as they lost everything last year)
  • My hubby losses his job at the end of the month. His company lost the contract he was working under
  • My Mom is not doing well. She doesn't deal with stress, life death or anything very well these days.
  • My Daddy has been in the bed sick with high blood pressure today and not doing well . He also is scheduled for eye surgery the 25th.
  • My parents are due to leave for a conference that my Father will give lectures at next Monday. They will be driving and he does not see well to drive.
  • My house is in complete disorder and I AM one of those people that if her house is out of sorts then her mind is too
  • I dropped one of my glasses and and still have a shard of glass in my foot. Note to self: call doctor and make appointment.
  • We also had our camera dock to start smoking and spitting sparks over the weekend. Thankfully we were home and took care of it BEFORE the house caught on fire.
  • My friend is in the hospital with diabetic issues. Her twin baby daughter has sepsis and is very sick at home with Daddy and twin brother. They live well over an hour away and I cannot go because Monkey cannot ride in the carseat for that long. Yes, my child comes first!!!
  • We are planning my mil's funeral and burial and taking on the finanical matters over their household.

  • I think that is all for now..............isn't that enough????!!!!!! Please pray for us. We have NO idea what or where or how hubby will find a job. The medical conditions of my children, health insurance and pre-exsisting conditions are quite scary terms right now. We will have to have cobra coverage, assuming we can get it. I HATE uncertainity!!!!! Thank you for your prayers.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 chickens breast, fulled cooked and cubed
1 - 10 oz. pk. frozen whole kernal corn, thawed
1 lg. onion, finely chopped
1 t. minced garlic
2 - 14 oz. chicken broth
1 -10 3/4 oz. tomato puree
1 - 10 oz. Ro-Tel
3/4 t. salt
2 t. cumin
1/8 t. black pepper

Combine all ingredients in (4 qt.) crock-pot. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese or anything else you desire.

ENJOY!!! Blessings!

Staying at Home Today

Staying at home all day several days out tof the week is rather the norm for me. It also saves gas and money. That is not where I'm headed witht his post. So now on to the orginal post.........

Monkey is so tender we do not want to have him out, since he would be so uncomfortable in his carseat and all. I will definately have my hands full today, unless my Mom can come over and help out. Monkey is still quite tender and sensititve. Today will be the first day to be able to quick bath. He and Mommy just "don't do" sponge bathes. His brother, the Tiger and he can be quite the rough twosome. Typical little boys going on two. I CANNOT believe my boys will be 2 next month!!! Anyhow, I am going to have to stay VERY close ALL day. Thankfully we were able to plan for Hubby to be home all weekend as well. That was such a blessing!

I will be mailing my coupons out today. if anyone has any questions or problems witht the coupon train please email me OR leave a comment to this post. I appreciate anyone's hard work on this. As far as I can tell the train is chugging right along (no pun intended).

I have several things that need to be done today BUT they will probably wait until later. That is fine by me. MY sweet boys need lots of attention, especially now.

I hope you all have a blessed Monday! Blessings!!!!!!!

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Saturday, Saturday

It seems like two days, today has been tiring and trying. Monkey is very sore and sensitive. He has about an inch incision where the hydrocele was repaired in the right testicle. Then he has stitches ALL the way arounf the circumcision revision. Changing diapers are not fun and the sponge bath was horrific for Mommy and baby. Keep in mind he is 22 months and FULL of energy. We have to be SOOOOOOOO very careful not to let his brother hurt him (or for that matter hurt himself). IT takes two of us when they are both up and playing. We are having to give pain meds every 4 hours and we set the clock to get up the times during the night.

MY Mom stayed with me and the boys this morning while my Dad took Hubby to get his pickup. That was another $391.73. I hope we are finished with repairs now. That makes about $1500.00 in the last 4 weeks.

My father-in-law called this afternoon and asked my hubby to come up to their house. My mother-in-law is worse. Her kidneys are shutting down. She has only urinated once today. The hospice nurse was on the way to re-insert the cathiter. They had also started her on morphine for the pain, as it now is unbearable. Please keep her in your prayers. Along with the family and especially my husband.

Well I am zapped. I have not read any blogs in a couple of days and it may be a couple of more. Our internet is down 95% of the time and you have to catch it just right in order to use it. I am going to call the ISP on Monday. It may be my router. I honestly am not sure. Anyhow, I miss you all and can't wait to get a little down time (when the internet is up) in order to catch up.

Hope you all have a great Sunday and many blessings!!!!!!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Update to Monkey's Surgery




Let me start by thanking ALL of my sweet friends that such loyal readers for your thoughts and prayers. Monkey is home. We are tired. Tiger is home from his visit with my parents and I am looking forward to some "downtime". I will catch up with each of your blogs in the next few days and I will post the story here tomorrow. He is resting and not in too much pain BUT the nerve block has not worn off yet either. So sweet dreams and good night. Many Many Blessings!!!

Thank you Precious Lord for letting me bring my baby back to my earthly home once again!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Taking Stock

I can and freeze a lot!! We grow almost everything that I use to do this. We are blessed in abudance and very little vegetables and fruit type thingds do I buy at the grocers. I took stock today (trying to keep busy and my mind pre-occupied I guess). So here is the rundown of what we have left. Keep in mind we have already used a lot of of things. Also some things were left from 2006. This is in no particular order.

Canned
228 Ot . Green Beans
29 Qt. Tomatoes (diced)
48 Pt. Pink eyed peas
11 Qt. Brown Crowder peas
9 Pt. Corn Relish
23 Pt. Squash Relish
5 Pt. tomato Juice
7 Qt. Vegetable Soup
6 Pt. October beans
9 Qt. Spaghetti Sauce
8 Pt. BBQ sauce
5 Pt. Taco Sauce
12 Pt. Salsa
16 Pt. Peach Salsa
4 Pt. Jalapeno Salsa
28 Pt. Pickled Crabapples
14 Pt. Squash Pickles
4 Pt. Zucchini Pickles
5 Pt. Cauliflower Pickles
10 Qt. Dilly Beans
3 Pt. Pickled Green Tomatoes
10 Pt. Chow chow
4 Pt. Pickled Beets
5 Pt. Okra Pickles
9 Pt. Sweet and Sour Apple Relish
12 Qt. pepper Sauce
4 Pt. stewed okra & Tomatoes
3 Pt. Praline Syrup
2 Pt. Apple cinnamon syrup
4 Pt. Apple preserves
18 Pt. Peach pie Filling
35 Qt. Apple Butter
4 Pt. Canned Pears
3 Pt. Cranberry apple jelly
9 Pt. Plum jelly
4 Pt. Muscadine Jelly
5 Pt. Scuppernong jelly
6 Pt. crabapple jelly
3 Pt. Blueberry Lime Jam
2 Pt. Grape jelly
4 Pt Apple Jelly
4 Pt. Pineapple Jelly (no we do not grow pineapples;)
6 Pt. Peach Jelly
2 Pt. Fig Preserves
29 Pt. Strawberry Jam
16 Pt. Strawberry Fig Jam
3 Pt. Blueberry conserve
13 Pt. Tomato Apple chutney
14 Qt. Pickled Peaches
13 Pt. Pineapple Peach Jam
14 Pt. Applesauce
3 Pt. Peach Butter, 1Qt.
15 various size jars Pepper Jelly
2 Pt. Pear Juice
2 Pt. Strawberry butter
1 Pt. Pear Preserves
1 Pt. Pear Juice


Freezer
4 Qt. Blueberries
48 bags cream style corn
6 Qt. Peaches
1 Qt. Grape juice (for jelly)
21 Pt. strawberries
18 Qt. breaded okra
1/2 gal Plum juice (for jelly)

I think that is it, although it seems like I have more in the freezer (fruit and veggie wise). It is so much hard work and can be quite economical IF you grow your own fruits and veggies. If NOT, then it can be quite expensive. I need to get restocked this summer. Tell me what you can and/or freeze. What is your favorite? We will start planting next month. More on that later. Many blessings on you all!!!

Long Day

UPDATE: The hospital just called and we have to be there at 6:00am.

So far it has been a very looonnnggggg day! Nothing really out of the ordinary. I think I am just dreading tomorrow and all that it will hold. I am also still waiting on the hospital to call with Monkey's sugery time (for tomorrow). I know it will be early and we are an hour's drive from the hospital so that makes for a really early morning. They will repair the hernia and or hydrocele as well as revise his circumcision. I wish it could be me to take his pain. Please say a prayer for my sweet little miracle.

Tiger will spend the night at my parents tonight and stay tomorrow. They will bring him home after we get back and all settled in.

Hubby has got to take his pick-up back to the shop for another repair this afternoon. They will work on it tomorrow. If you remember 3 or 4 weeks ago we had it serviced and tuned it and that was about $200. Then 2 weeks ago we had the transmission repaired and that was $900. The fuel pump and labor will run between $300 and $400. Thankfully we own it outright!!! Praise the Lord!!

Well i wish you all a peaceful and blessed evening. Hold those babies tight, I know we will ours!

Blessings!!!!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

CVS Savings

I did make it to CVS today and got some great bargains! Here's the rundown.

Transaction#1

5 Boost Smoothies $1 each and got $1 ECB back on each
2 - 8oz. Purrell Hand Santizier $3.79 each - $1 man. coupon on each and $2 ECB back on each
2 - 2 pk. Energy Drinks $4.99 each , $4.99 ECB back on each
Precision Xtra Diabetes Monitior (regular $77.99) on sale for $19.99, got $19.99 ECB back
2 - 100 ct. Excedrin $6.99 each, -$3 man. coupon on each and $10 ECB back
2 Johnson's Buddies Bars $.99 each -$1 man. coupon on each
3 - 3pk. Maybeline eyeshadows $5.49 each and got $5.49 ECB back on each
5 - 36 ct. CVS Chewable asprin $1.79 each and got $1.79 ECB back on each
CVS 20 ct. Allergy and Sinus Medicine $4.29


My total before coupons , discounts and ECB was $96.16. I used a $10/$50 CVS coupon, $2/$10 on CVS product coupon, $10 man. coupons and $54.00 in ECB from previous trips. I ONLY paid $20.16 out of pocket. Then I had $$74.39 back in ECB!!!!

Transaction #2

2 - 14 oz. bags of M&M's 2/$4 -$1/2 man. coupon and $2 ECB back
Vo5 shampoo $.77
VO5 conditioner $.77
24 ct. Zantac 150 $10.19 - $5 CVS coupon and $5 man. coupon
500 ct. Johnson's cotton swabs $2.99
Garnier Fructis shampoo $3.99 - $3.99 ECB back
3 - 48 ct. pk. Nutri Trim Gum $3.99 each and got $3.99 ECB back on each
Gillette Fusion shave gel $3.69- $2 CVS coupon and $1 man. coupon
Gillette Phenom Power Razor $9.99 and got $6 ECB back
L'Oreal duo eyeshadow $4.99 and 75 % off (pd.$1.25)
2 BonneBell Liplites $2.49 each -75% off ($.62 each)
2 - 6oz. Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste $2.50 each - $.75 man. coupon
7.5 oz. Softsoap for hands $1.50 - $.35 man. coupon
18 oz. Softsoap Cashmere bodywash $3.99-$.75 man. coupon and $5 ECB back on the above 4.

My total before EBC, coupons and discounts was $68.82. I used a $4/$20 , man. coupons $9.60, CVS coupons $7, discounts $7.48 and ECB from transaction#1 $39.95. I ONLY paid $.79 out of pocket!!! I also got another $28.96 back in ECB.

RECAP:
For all of the above I paid $20.95 out of pocket and still have $63.40 left in ECB to use later!!! I also saved $202.03 (including the $58 on the diabetes kit). Yippee!!!!!! I am just thrilled to pieces.

Happy saving!!!!

Slight Change of Plans

First of all please pray for all of those effected by the terrible tornados and weather last night and this morning. So many lost everything, including loved ones.

Here is what my to-do list looked like for today. (key word: lookED)

4 or 5 loads laundry
vaccum
make bed
CVS
P.O.
Get ready/shower
Wash grapes and produce
Unload and reload dw
Clean smooth top range
Order door lock from Ebay
Iron mine and hubby's clothes for Friday
Cook supper
Go see mil tonight
Balance checkbook and pay bills
Call QAC and order vaccum battery
make appointment for hair
clean out boys closet
Iron clothes for boys (at least 20 pieces)
Fix hubby's lunch

Well...........let's just say not going as planned. Last night I started thinking about Mason's surgery and I got really upset. The bad weather on it's way did not help my feelings any either. I finally got to sleep around 11:30pm and hubby had set the clock for midnight (to check on the weather). I had a full blown migraine by then. I took a Relpax and laid back down, only to hear Tiger coughing. I got up and realized it was time for more prescription cough medicine so I gave them each some (as Monkey was also starting to cough by then). Finally.......sleep! Until 4:18 am when the weather radip sounded. _ _ _ _ _ County is under a tornado warning!!!!!! Hubby usually gets up to leave for work at 4:20am so he told me to get things together (took all of 3 minutes and got in the Durango) and he would follow us over to my parents "for safekeeping". My parents have a basement and we do not. So the boys and I hung out over there until 7:45am and then came back home. I put the boys down to finish out their nightly sleep (which had actually more of a morning nap). I then laid down. I took a 2 hour siesta!!! Yay for me. Got up, grabbed a quick shower, got ready and by then the boys were up. Got them up and changed (it's a pj day) and they fed themselves breakfast and now they are playing. My Mom is going to watch them while I run my errands but hardly any of the other things on my list have even been touched. So I am revamping and hoping to get it all accomplished by the time the Speech Therapist arrives tomorrow morning.

Hope you are all safe and sound! Praying and many blessings coming your way!!!!!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

How is it That Saving Money Can Make One Feel Better?

I love saving money. It is like breathing for me. My dear friend Jennifer met me and the boys in town today to give me a hand buying groceries and running errands. We went to the consignment store and picked up the last of my winter stuff and my check for the month. I also went by the post office and then off to Wal-Mart. While the cashier was quite unpleasant and thought I had lost my marbles when I told her I had "comp ads", she really gave me a look when I brought out my coupons. Nevertheless, she did her job and I got my savings while handling the situation "gracefully" as I was later told. So here's my savings.

2 pk. Pepperridge Farm 5 cheese garlic bread
20 ct. Great Valu trash bags
64 oz. OJ
2 Muffin Mixes
2 HB Helper
2- 64 oz. Gatorade
Soy Sauce
16 oz. pk. slivered almonds
2 - 15 oz. chicken broth
15 oz. beef broth
6 - 15 oz. Hormel chili w/ beans
6 - 15 oz. pork n beans
2 - 16 oz. pk. Bryan little smokies
2 0z. Desitin cream
4 1/2 lb. red seedless grapes
Teddy Grahams
lg. bag Doritios
2 - 12 oz. bags sharp cheddar cheese
4 pk. stick Fleischmann's margarine
16 oz. pk. sliced 2 % cheese
Sara Lee bagels
2 lb. bag pretzels
80 ct. Huggies baby wipe
Soothe XP eye drops
Appliance bulb
Round clear bulb
16 oz. deli shaved Bryan ham
8 pk. Sparkle paper towels
Tortillas - 10 ct.

Total spent $75.86 Total saved $50.67

Not great but good enough to note. Blessings on you!!!!!!

Hello World!

So I'm not really feeling that well, but better. The boys were better yesterday than today.

My father-in-law called last night and I answered the phone. He hung up because he thought he had the wrong number! Haha! Hubby and I got a good laugh out of that one.

Not much to report other than I hope to go to the store and p.o. today. I do not want to expose the boys to too many germs.

Our internet has been rather intermitent yesterday and already this morning. My spellcheck is not working properly on blogger so excuse the misspellings.

I need to get some chicken out for supper, do a couple loads of laundry, unload the dw, make the bed and get ready for the day. It is suppose to be 76 here tday!!!!!!! Can you say heat wave?!?!

Uh, I need to vote too!!!!

I do have one funny to share before leaving you. As you will see Monkey's speech is improving. Last night we were eating supper and Monkey kept trying to get his Daddy's phone on his side. Hubby pulled his phone off and layed it on the table. We were sitting talking after supper (still at the table) when hubby asked if he had brought his phone in. I said, "Yes honey, it's right there." Tiger looked at his Daddy and pointed to his phone while laughing. Hubby called him a "smarty britches" (just playing). Monkey looked at his Daddy and plain as day called him a "smarty britches"! Hilarious! They do pick up things quickly.
Have a great Tuesday!!!! Blessings!!!!

Monday, February 4, 2008

Coupon Train Update

Okay, so here I am again. I need you to leave a comment if you are participating. Please let me know that you are mailing out ( should be for time #2) today. Except for Mimi (this will be first time for you). Also let me know that you received your first pack of coupons last week. Thanks again for your participation.

Elizabeth I received my first pack last week. Thank you!

Please feel free to ask any questions and/or email me at blessedfrugalness@hotmail.com.

Blessings!!!!!

Still Feeling Under the Weather

Actually that is a bit of an understatement. I fell plain yucky! My ears are ringing, my eyeballs actually hurt, my throat is raw and sore (along with my nose and upper lip), the front of my face feels as it could just pop off from all of the pressure and I look a little less than appealing!

Therefore I am taking the day off to pile up with my boys (they are feeling some better....yay!) and warm the couch. I hope to see you all tomorrow feeling better and more rested! Happy Monday!
Blessings!!!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

The Creeping Crud

The boys have been trying to get sick (really sick) since Thursday. It took me 42 hours to get in touch with the peds office. They have been over run with the flu, RSV and the creeping crud. I finally got some antibiotics for the boys. They have green running noses and Tiger is communicating that his head hurts. They are sneezing and coughing to beat the band and Monkey has had a slight temp.

I felt really bad yesterday and last night was worse. By this morning I was begging hubby to put a nail in my head to let off the sinus pressure (Tyneol only does so much good). He went to the pharmacy got a zpac, antibiotics, sudafed and a little yellow pill for drainage. I also have the "green stuff".

The boys and I have maintained the pajamaed look even until now from last night and I feel plain yucky!!!!!! Thank the Lord hubby is not sick. My Mom's brother owns a restaurant in town and my Mom's sister cooks for him on the weekends. She is making us her famous burritos and salads for supper. Hubby has went to pick it up.
On top of everything else my parents have the same thing and my Daddy is really bad. I called his dr and got him started on something for drainage and he is taking Tyneol. Antibiotics are a last resort for him. He is on Coumidin and the antibiotics throw it all (his heart) back out of whack. He has been in bed all day and let's just say he has to be really sick to be there.

I have no appetite and that is a good thing, only craving my Mom's chicken and dumplings. I told her on the phone when we all feel better I'll supply the chicken if she'll mak'em. She said that was a good deal.

Mimi, I will get your info to you tomorrow. I am so sorry. I am just so tired and feel so lousy.

I hope you all have a blessed weekend. Enjoy your health, church, your family and the Super Bowl.

Blessings!!!