The Memory Bear

I was cleaning some shelves in our bedroom recently and I came across this little bear.  He was sitting on a shelf along with some Boyd's bears that I've collected over the years, but he means much more than the collector's items he was surrounded by.   This bear has a memory attached to it.    As I started dusting him off, I was reminded of the time that I bought him - 15 years ago this month.

The year was 1996.   My son Ted had just turned three, my husband David had a job, and we were taking a vacation to Tennessee.    We were renting a cabin for the first time and we were so excited to be getting away.   I was looking forward to just sitting on the porch, having coffee and spending time with the Lord, so I took along a new Bible study called "A Woman's Walk With God".   I didn't pick that study for any particular reason.  I think it just looked good, so I bought it.   Little did I know, God would use the words of that study to prepare me for a storm that was coming.  And, no doubt, He used that time of quiet and good memories, to prepare our family for a rough ride.

We had a great week in Tennessee, filled with lots of fun and lots of "porch" time, playing cards, swinging on the porch swing, and just enjoying the view of the  Smoky Mountains.   We were able to spend some days in Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge and our favorite - Cades Cove.    Beanie Babies were "the thing" back then and I was one of those lunatic moms that bought one, way too often.  That's how I ended up with this bear.   I'm sure he was looking really adorable in one of the shops in town, so I bought him for Ted.   Interestingly though, he has been on the shelf in my room for years.  Hmmmm.  Anyway, regardless of who I bought him for, he ended up being a reminder to me, of our wonderful time in Tennessee and of God and the sweet way that He prepares us for what's to come. 

One week after we got back from our vacation, David was told he no longer had a job.   We had just spent our savings on a vacation and now we had no job?  So, this was the storm God was warning me about!    We were devastated.   We were scared.  We didn't know what to do.   This was a great blow to us.

I'm going to skip all the details of job hunting, making ends meet, blessings that were given to us by others, etc. because this post is simply to make the connection from then to now. 

When you are in a trial in your life - the valley, if you will - you struggle to see over the mountaintops.  You can't imagine what's on the other side and it's a really scary place to be.   Life in the moment, seems shaky at best.   But, when you climb that mountain and stand on the peak and look around and down at all you went through to get to the top, it's a sweet reminder of the God we have and the faith He deserves.

God took us through that valley and three years later,  took us down the mountain, and through the valley of unemployment again.    We've been there twice and almost a third time.    But, now, looking back, we are amazed at the journey and all that those years of walking in the "desert" taught us.

David is the compassionate boss that he is, because he remembers what it was like to be treated disrespectfully.   He doesn't lay off or let someone go, unless they truly have not done the right thing.   He remembers what it was like to struggle financially and take odd jobs to feed his family.

He also (I did too) learned that your faith does not belong in your job or the company you work for, but it belongs in Jesus Christ, the savior of our souls.   When you are stripped away of your "security" (worldly security=job/money), you realize that God is the one in charge of all you have.    You learn to rely on HIM even more than you ever have, and you learn to trust like you've never trusted before.   No job can give you that kind of security. 

I sit here, 15 years later, and testify that God has blessed us beyond what we could have ever imagined that week after Tennessee.    He has provided, not only for our needs, but most of our wants too.   He has given David a career, not just a job, and has blessed him with a passion for what he does.

As of this week, on April 1st, David will become the Vice President of Sales (in our region) for the largest Health Care company in the world.   

Did we see this from the valley?  No.   I can honestly say - this was never in our wildest imaginations.   Are we thrilled?  Yes.   We are so thrilled and thankful to God for this blessing.
Do we think it will last forever?  Who knows?
But, what we do know is that God is in it and if HE wants it to last, it will.  If HE wants it to end, it will.    Bottom line is - HE's in charge and HE's the guide whether we're in the valley or on the mountaintop.    We will praise HIM and hang on for the ride!

In the meantime - this little bear will be my reminder of a time, long ago, when we had a sweet vacation of preparation and a God who held our hands through the valley.

What a mighty God we serve.

Do you have any memory bears?

Blessings,
Debbie

A Proud "parent"

I've never been much of a gardener (I can almost see my husband rolling his eyes right now).  To put it nicely - I kill everything!  Why?  Because I'm not much of an outdoor gal.   You have to go outside to garden, so that's the problem.   Half the time, I forget I need to water the plants and so they die.   Only the really hardy survive. 

But, remember my post a few days ago about "GROWing"?  You can say I've grown in the last day or two.   I did something different and it feels good:)

Yesterday David was off work.  He had been in Dallas all week at a business conference, so he took Friday off to spend with the family.     After a big breakfast, he and I set out to buy some flowers for the front porch.   Hanging baskets were really all I had in mind, but when we got to the nursery, David suggested we buy some things to plant along the front of the house.    About an hour later, we arrived home with a truck bed full of potting soil and plants.   It was kind of exciting!

After an afternoon cup of coffee with a friend, we put on our work gloves and headed outside.  By then it was late afternoon and there was a great, cool breeze, which was perfect.   We laid out all the little plants (I'm not just being cute - they really were little plants) in the spots that we wanted them, and started digging.    It took us about an hour, which wasn't long, but the time was nice.   The horses made sure to stay near the fence where we were and the dog made sure to lay in the dirt where we were, so we felt loved and watched over.    All in all, it was a great time.

While David was cleaning up some debris and leaves and hauling it away, I began watering our new little subjects and felt so excited and proud - like a new mom!    I felt like I had just given something a chance to grow and thrive (I hope).  

I woke up this morning hoping to see some kind of sign that they had actually taken in all the water and care I gave them yesterday, and were standing a little taller.     I know it will take a while to see the growth, but now I am an expectant mom.  And, in the process - I have GROWN.

Blessings my friends,
Debbie

  

Shopping Day!

Over on the Krazy Coupon Lady website she has a page for "bragging" about the great sales you find when using your coupons.

I am not bragging in the least bit here, but I am so excited about some deals that I found at CVS and Walgreens, that I want to share the news, in case you are interested in getting in to the coupon craze.



First I want to tell a little bit of strategy for those who are contemplating getting started.  These tips are by no means, professional or KRAZY, but they might help one of you.

Here is what I did to get prepared for today's trip:
1. I looked through each sales flyer for CVS and Walgreens.

2. I made a list of each item that I wanted to buy and noted the  price of item,  coupon I had, and extra bucks offered for each item.  **EB's and RR's (Extra Bucks and Register Rewards) are "FREE money" that the stores offer when you buy a certain item.   The idea is to buy those items AND match them with a coupon that you have, for additional savings.


Next I took the list and broke it up into 3-4 transactions per store.   I have two reasons for doing this: first - it helps me keep better track of the deals vs. putting it all up on the counter and trying to HOPE I got everything right and having to check over a long receipt at the end.   Too confusing!  Second - I wanted to use the Extra Bucks (and Register Rewards) today as I was buying, instead of  waiting another week.

In order to use my "free money" right away, I listed items in each transaction and how many Extra Bucks I could use from that sale, for the next.   Not hard at all.

Then - I clipped my list, coupons, and sales flyer together and headed down the road.

I am not going to list all of the transactions, but I will just give a few scenarios:

Here is $155.05 worth of Retail

Which I paid $58.29 for!

Here is one transaction at CVS:

Buy Allegra for $6.99 (-$2.00 coupon)=$4.99 (get $6.99 EB back) Made $2.00!

Buy Cobroxin for $18.99 (get $18.99 EB back) FREE

So I paid $23.98 O.o.p. BUT I got back $25.98 free money, so I made $2.00

I turned around and used that $25.98 on my next transaction which was $35.21, but with the free money and coupons, it cost me $2.36 for :

2 (6pk) paper towels

Zantac

Electronic toothbrush

Razor set

At Walgreens I did the same thing as far as splitting transactions and using the RR's for the next transaction.   My best deal here was paying $.44 (that's cents!) for:

3 bags of Domino Sugar

3 toothbrushes

So there is a little taste of what a few minutes of clipping coupons and making a list will get you!

Why NOT?

Spring - A Time of Growth

 Coming out of Winter into Spring is an exciting time.   People are planting and working in the yard; trying to beautify that which has turned brown and ugly.   Spring is a time of growth and nurturing.

Just like our yards need reviving - our hearts need reviving too. 

Have you had "Winter" in your heart?  Is there a cold, gray attitude living inside you?  Sometimes life and circumstances can cause us to grow cold and bitter.   It may not be in every area of life; it may just be one little corner of your heart.  However, that one little corner of bitterness can affect the entire picture of who you are.

Maybe there was a lot of physical sickness going through your family this Winter or perhaps your finances took a dive and the pressure is intense.   Maybe you've just been inside too much and you feel isolated.

Whatever it was or still is, it's time to shed our Winter coats and soak up the sun and grow!

Grow out of your bad attitude. Grow out of your bitterness.  Let go of weeds that have infiltrated your mind and heart over the past few months.    Step outside of your world, turn your face to Heaven and rejoice that you are still alive!




Here are some suggestions for putting you in a better mood and helping you to grow:
*Put on some nice clothes
*Go somewhere you've never been
*Do something you've never done
*Wear high heels to the grocery store, for heaven's sake!
*Start a new Bible study based on an area where you need to grow
*Change your hairstyle
*Change your make-up
*Sell something and make some spending money
*Start a crafty hobby
*Repurpose an old piece of furniture
*Paint something
*Plant something
*Call someone
*Invite someone over for lunch
*Visit a new church this week
*Go to an outdoor church service
*Let go of something negative in your life and replace it with something positive - (whether it's   negative thinking or a negative friend)

*Whatever you can think of - that little nagging "want" that has been in your mind, but you always talk yourself out of it - do IT!  

A big part of how we feel - is how we think.   Get your thinking on straight, do something different, and GROW!


Here's a corny little way to remember to GROW - Gotta Rejoice Often/Willingly

"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."  Psalm 30:5


Happy GROWing friends!

Debbie

Hard to let Go

Have you ever just had a heaviness in your heart? That's how I've been feeling lately in regards to friendships.  

Relationships are complicated.   You want friends.  You need friends.   And yet - sometimes they bring sorrow and disappointment into your life. 

It's hard to face the realization that a friendship has run it's course; that you really aren't  receiving anything positive from it anymore.   In turn, you find it hard to contribute anything positive to it, because it always turns out negative.

It's also difficult to watch children turn away from your children, as they find other friends.  

I've been around long enough to know that different seasons bring along new relationships, but it's disappointing to have to let go of the old ones.

Short but truthful.  This is my heart today.

Blessings,
Debbie

Couponing 101 - The Coupon Binder

This will be my last post about couponing, as far as telling about the process and the binder. 

A friend asked if I would post a picture of my binder, just so others could see and compare, so here it is:

I've already explained all the needed supplies to put this together, so I won't do that again, but I do want to list the categories I've chosen to use, just in case anyone needs an idea.    The Krazy Coupon Lady also has some very nice pages on her website, as well as a category list.  You can print all of that for free from her website.

Categories in my binder

Checkout (page protector where I can put the coupons as I decide to use them in the store)

CVS

Walgreens

Kroger

Target

Office Depot

(These are the stores I shop at and they often have their own coupons, so each section has a few baseball card (aka coupon) pages behind each title page)

Produce

Bread

Milk

Juice

Snacks

Dairy

Drinks

Cereal

Baking

Canned

Condiments

Pasta/Boxed

Meat

Frozen

Paper

Cleaning

Pets

Laundry

Household

Hygiene

Beauty

Meds

**I used the order of the aisle at Kroger as the order for the sections in the binder.  This makes it extremely easy to find the coupons as you're going down each aisle.   I also combine like items, according to what aisle they are on.  For instance - the cereal bars go on the cereal aisle, as well as the peanut butter and jelly.   Pasta and boxed meals go in the same section and the refrigerated biscuits go in the Dairy section because they are always next to the cheese.   This will be different for each store.**

Restaurants

Retail

**These two sections are just page protectors (top loading) that hold any coupons for places to eat or retail stores.**

So far, this has been one of the best tools I've ever had!  I don't leave home without it!  I put it in a tote bag and take it to the car anytime I leave.  There is nothing more frustrating than needing to buy something and knowing you have a coupon, but not having it with you!  (not all that important in the big scheme of life, but we're just talking "Coupon World" here, so you get the idea.)

Anyway, I hope this gives you an idea of how to create your own binder.

Enjoy!

Couponing 101 - Setting Limits

Today I want to share with you my way of setting limits on this coupon craze.

If you've seen Extreme Couponing, then you've seen the way stockpiles have taken over garages, spare bedrooms, basements and any other "spare" space in their homes.    Well, that won't be happening here and here's why:

First of all - we live in a small farmhouse where everything is in it's place and there is no space unclaimed.   Well, actually there are a few closets that could handle a little organization and a few more shelves, but that will take time.   So for now - we have no spare rooms, no massive pantry, no basement, and no garage.

Where does that leave me?  With a master closet in the back bedroom, where I have one long shelf and two smaller shelves, to store my stockpile.   I came up with this plan just the other day (much to David's surprise) and I think it's going to be just enough - for now.   On these shelves I have extra paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.  

For the toiletries, I have designated about 10 shoebox sized plastic storage boxes and have them placed side by side on the shelves.   To limit my buying, I have decided to only buy enough toiletries to fill the shoebox, then stop until 1/2 the supply is gone.   These are things such as razors, shampoo, shower gel, soap, toothpaste, deoderant, etc.    These items are always on sale and you can go crazy and buy a year's supply, but I don't have room and I'd rather spend that money on other things.   So, this is my strategy for limiting my spending.

Another way I will limit my spending is by designating a certain dollar amount at Walgreens and CVS.  Many times I have over spent at these two stores and wanted to kick myself for allowing that to happen.  The enticing sale is what gets you, so you need to have a plan.    Personally, I would rather stockpile more food than make-up and medicines, etc.   I think a healthy supply is wise, but I don't want to become a hoarder, just because.   

So......I have set a dollar amount limit for each store, which means that on Sunday, when the new weekly sales start at these two places, I will look over all the deals and pick the ones that I really need, and that will allow me to stay within my budget.    When I've reached the limit in each store, I won't go back until the next week.    The only exception will be to spend the "free money" that I have.   I will either save these for the next week or use them for deals that come across the computer (other people report deals as they find them) and get things for "free". 

The grocery store will take a little more time to formulate the best plan.   I'm used to going to the store and buying whatever I want or need and if I have coupons, that's a bonus.   BUT, now I am thinking about things differently, so rather than put a money limit on myself right now, the goal is simply to get the very best deals with coupons and create a nice little stockpile that I can choose from on a weekly basis for the menu.    I have already made quite a bit of progress in this area.   Tomorrow is the big Kroger day, so I'll report back tomorrow.

Like anything else, couponing is a tool and it's meant to be used to help - not hinder.   You don't want to lose your mind and spend your kid's college fund, buying up all the toiletries at CVS.    But, you don't want to toss out the option of buying what you normally pay top dollar for, for 1/2 the price or more, either.     With a little effort and creativity (and willingness to try something new) you might look back next year and find your grocery budget cut in half or more.    Can you say VACATION?  Or PAYING OFF BILLS?   I'll take either one!


**Funny side note**Today Collin and I were going to Basic Foods for some Probiotics.  I don't have any coupons for this store or the products, so I left my notebook at home (which made me feel naked, in a way).   When we asked a clerk for help, she led me to a product that happened to be on sale - 20% off AND each box had a $5.00 off coupon inside!!    Plus, they were giving a copy of Jordan Rubin's new RAW book, with the purchase, which also had a $5.00 coupon in it for the future!   What a deal and I wasn't even carrying a coupon!

Take care ladies and
happy couponing!

Debbie

Couponing 101 - Using the binder

Ok, so now I've got my huge, 3-ring notebook called the coupon binder, and I'm ready to tackle the grocery store.   Mind you - I'm not an "out there" person, so the thought of people staring at me and my binder was giving me a little anxiety as I entered the store, but my desire to successfully find some good deals won out.

I put my purse in the grocery cart, laid the binder on top of my purse, opened it up to the Produce section and started my first trip through couponville.   Since my binder was in (basic) order of the aisles, it was very easy to just turn to each section as I got on a certain aisle and compare my coupons to what was on sale that week. 

Now, let me add here that I did have a list of items that I knew were on sale and that I definitely wanted to buy, but I was a little overwhelmed because not only did I have physical coupons but I had a list of coupons that were electronically put on my Kroger card.   So, I did my best at looking at the sales, then looking at my coupons and my list to see if I had a coupon that matched the sale items.  

Did this take time?  Yes, but actually it didn't really take much more than what I normally spend in the store.  I am a shopper that goes down each aisle anyway, so that was no different.  Also, I didn't have any passengers (aka 12 year old), so no chattering in my ear about games, airplanes, etc., which was a huge help. 

I did really well on that first trip and managed to live through the stares I got along the way (they were really looking at the huge notebook, not me).    I'm looking forward to going this week.   I like the challenge!

I think it's going to take a few trips for me to really get the rhythm down of the grocery store, but I'm definitely getting the hang of CVS and Walgreens.

Here are a few deals I found last week:

This deal was at Walgreens and I found it on an email I get from a coupon site. 
I bought all of this for  $.49.

Here's how:  The PediaCare was $7.49 and $6.99, but Walgreens offered a store coupon for $5.00 off each bottle, plus I had a coupon from the paper for $2.00 off each.   The ice cream was on clearance for $.82 and $1.29.   The total came to $20.99, but I paid with the coupons I had, plus some Register Rewards I had from the week before (RR's are free money you get just for buying certain items.  They are called Extra Bucks at CVS) and the grand total came out to $.49 !!


Here is another deal I got with this week's sales at Walgreen's and CVS:

Most of this was advertised sales, so I made a list of things I had coupons for AND I took my binder just in case I found additional sales and bought all of this for $31.13.  The retail was $102.73 !
This, too, was a combo of coupons and Extra Bucks that I earned from the last trip.   BUT - the BONUS  to this trip was that I earned $19.00 Extra Bucks for my next trip!  

Now you see why I'm doing this?

Tune in next post for some guidelines I've set for myself, so I don't turn into a madwoman.

Happy couponing!

SEMI - Extreme Couponing

My name is Debbie and I am a semi-extreme couponer. 

But seriously, coupons have occupied a good percentage of my life lately and I LOVE IT!

Let me start by saying that you don't have to worry about me - I haven't lost my mind and I'm not starting a warehouse in my basement.   I'm not dumpster diving for coupons (as seen on Extreme Couponing on TLC), and I will not be buying 100 boxes of pasta any time soon.   What I am guilty of is having a lot of fun challenging myself and saving money on things I already buy. 

Here is what I've done:

First of all - I created a Coupon Binder.  This notebook holds all of my coupons, plus any store flyers that I need to refer to during the week.   (I will go into detail about the binder at the bottom of this post).

Second - I started buying 2 newspapers every Sunday and clipping the coupons.

Third - I started printing selected coupons from places like Coupon.com,  that give free coupons on the computer.

Fourth - I registered my Kroger card on Kroger.com and have loaded some e-coupons directly onto my card, for products that I regularly buy. 

Fifth - I have "liked" several coupon sites on Facebook, which send me daily tips on what's on sale at various stores.   All you have to do is type in "coupon" into the search on FB and you will get several sites. 

So, as you can see, there is really nothing extreme about anything I've been using or doing, up to this point.   I'm really not doing anything extraordinary beyond cutting coupons for products I was already purchasing.   The only difference is that I now have a big notebook, instead of my coupon holder.   And, I must say, organization is the key!

 The Coupon Binder (or notebook):
Supplies needed:
Big 3" three-ring notebook
1 pack of baseball card holding pages (pack of 65 at Target for $9.99)
A few plastic page protectors
Dividers or divider tabs that stick on

Here's how I put my notebook together:
I wrote down on paper all the different categories I could think of such as MEAT, DAIRY, PRODUCE, FROZEN, etc.   (The Krazycouponlady.com has a link to a free set of pages and an index to the categories she uses in her binder)   I also looked at the categories on my coupon holder to get ideas.

Next, I put some thought into how my Kroger store is laid out and I put the dividers (with the categories I had written down) in the order of the aisles of the store (to the best of my memory).    For instance, I always walk in the left door and go to the Produce section first, then bread, then milk, etc.

So once you have your dividers in order, start putting your clipped coupons in the baseball card pages.  This also takes some thinking about organization.   For instance - in the CEREAL section I put cereal, pop tarts, cereal bars, oatmeal, and peanut butter and jelly.   These are all found on the same aisle in the store, so it makes sense to put them all on one page.     To go a little farther, put all the cereal coupons together on one page, because you'll have many different kinds of cereal coupons, and all cereal bars together, etc.    Remember, the more organized you are, the less headache this will be when you set out to do your shopping. 

In the very front of the notebook I put a pencil bag with a pen & scissors to have on hand.  I also created a section for the small stores I go to each week (or when I see a special I like).  These include Target, CVS, Walgreens and Office Depot.   In each one of these sections I have a top-loading page protector that holds the store flyer and any store coupons that are only good at that store.

In the very back of the book, after all the coupon pages, I have 2 page protectors that hold Restaurant coupons and Retail coupons.   These 2 sections contain coupons that have come in the paper such as Olive Garden and other places to eat, and the Retail one contains store coupons I have for clothing stores, shoe stores, Bed, Bath and Beyond, etc.  

In other words, every coupon is in this one notebook and I carry it out to the car with my purse, every time I go somewhere.    That way, it is always with me and if I have to make a last minute stop to grab something, I won't be kicking myself for not bringing my coupons.


So that is the beginning of being a crazy coupon person and in my next post I will share about my first shopping experience with my coupon binder and what kind of crazy deals I've found.

Happy shopping!

Debbie

Spring Break - Please Slow Down!

Well, the ever-anticipated Spring Break is here, but moving along WAY to quickly! 

On Monday we finished Collin's workstation, so by Tuesday it was ready to be loaded with Legos, laptop, game station, etc. 

Tuesday was Collin's 12th birthday. 

He was so excited to turn 12! 

David took off work at Noon and grilled hamburgers (per Collin's request).  We invited David's parents over for lunch and celebrated with cupcakes, bacon cheese burgers, chips and dip - oh! and presents, of course.

That night we were invited to The Taste of the Triangle, which is a charity event that takes place every year in Beaumont.   All the local restaurants set up booths and give out free samples of one dish.   David was invited to play trombone in the Remember When Orchestra, which was the entertainment for the night, so this was a bonus for Collin's big day.   He and I were able to walk around sampling all of the great food, for free!   The band played for about 1 1/2 hours, so we had great entertainment, to top it off.    Overall, I'd say Collin had a great day of celebrating.   

It's hard to believe that this young man, who now is equal to me in height, was only 4lbs12oz when he was born 12 years ago.  God is good:)

Yesterday we had Collin's favorite kind of day........we never left the house!   Ted was up early to head out on a little 3 day excursion with friends.   So we were all up with him, to say goodbye and hand out hugs.  

After that, Collin retreated to his room to work on his 2 new Lego sets we bought him, and I started putting together my new coupon binder.   I will have to post separately about this project, but in between laundry, cooking, and a little housework, it took me all day to complete it.  

Today we have 4H, which I'm actually excited about.   My sister-in-law is the guest speaker.  She works for Texas Parks and Wildlife, and hopefully will be bringing along a baby gator or something just as exciting for the kids to see.    I'm taking my camera - just in case.

I hope each of you have a blessed day and I plan on coming back soon!  

See ya! 

Coupon Crazy

I have been going crazy over coupons lately!  I want to write all about it, but supper is on the stove and waiting so I'll make this short and sweet for now.

Today I bought this:

Retail 30.82

By combining manufacture coupons plus a "rewards coupon" it cost me $9.64!  This was very exciting for me because each bag of dog food was $6.49 each!

More on couponing later!

Book Review - The Shelter of God's Promises

Today's book review is difficult to write for two reasons: One - I haven't finished the book and Two - I will be writing something less than positive about one of my favorite authors.  But - I've been given the task, so I will follow through.

Let me start out by saying that Sheila Walsh writes from her heart.   Her books are always very honest and forthcoming; giving personal experiences along with scriptures and pointing everything toward a relationship with Jesus Christ.     This book (so far) is no exception.

However, the difficulty I've had with this particular book of hers is the style.  Normally, Sheila's books are divided up into small chapters which are easy to digest.  This one is wordy, with chapters that go on for miles (Ch. 2 is 21 pages long)!   Within each chapter she gives multiple headings and adds meaty stuff to each section.   For me, it's a little too much to take in.

I'm not sure if I'm just reading this at the wrong time or if it really is as unappealing as I've perceived it; I just know that this book isn't working for me right now.

Sorry Sheila!  I have loved every one of your other books but this one will have to be put on the shelf for a little longer.

Where Have I Been?

I can't believe it's been a week since my last post.  I don't like being gone so long, but sometimes you have so much to say that it gets all jumbled up in your mind, so you don't say anything.

I'll try to do a quick recap of the highlights of the week:

Tuesday morning our Schnauzer (dog) Annie decided she needed an adventure so she ran off.  We spent hours combing the neighborhood looking for her, but she was nowhere to be found.  By Wednesday we pretty much decided that either someone had taken her or she had died.

We were all feeling pretty low by Wednesday afternoon so I let Collin invite a friend over to play.  They were outside that evening and Annie came trotting down the driveway, dirty and covered in thorns.  I guess she had been lost in our woods or maybe stuck in some brush and couldn't get out.   I'm not really sure - I'm just so glad she made it home.

Needless to say - Annie is a "leash" dog now.   Not the way I want to spend my time; but maybe I'll get some walking done now.

Collin and Annie

Thursday and Friday were spent trying to clean Annie up.  We took her to the vet to make sure she was ok - which she was.   We have all gained a new love for Annie.  I guess it sometimes takes losing something to appreciate it more.   "Ok Annie.  We appreciate you.  Now, don't ever do that again!"

Yesterday we spent the day on a project in Collin's room.  For years I have battled this kid's room! Too many Legos!!  And, he's not concerned with clutter (is this MY child?)!   I make him clean his room every night before bedtime and yet, by the next day, it's cluttered again.  AHHHH!  Too much stuff - I know.   I have weeded out, thrown away, given away, purged, and whatever else you want to call it.  

Plus, his room is small, so the more shelves, etc. I would add in an attempt to organize all the clutter, it would take up more space and add to the overall cluttered look.    

Sooooo...........I came up with a plan, David put it together, and yesterday we did it!  We removed two pieces of furniture - his desk and a TV cabinet that held his TV he uses for video games.   We moved his bed and dresser off to one side and built him a workstation.  Or should I say - David built it and I cheered him on.

Today we will paint the surface white and then begin putting everything where it belongs.

To the left of the TV will be his Lego station.  This is where he can build Lego projects and leave them so they won't get stepped on or destroyed.  Underneath that area we will put the plastic storage boxes that hold all the Legos. 

To the right of the TV will be his school desk.  There he will have his laptop and books.

Under the TV will be his games, controllers, etc. for video games.  

The room is minimized now, with just a bed, dresser, and bookshelf, plus the workstation.  Ahhhh. Now I can walk in there and not have an anxiety attack!

Well, it's been a long week.  I'm kind of glad it's a new day, new week, and it's officially Spring Break for us.  Yay!   

I'll try not to stay gone so long.

See ya soon,

Debbie