Sam is Having a Birthday

I have worked with Sam for 11 years.  I consider him a good friend.  I hold the people I work with very close to my heart..  After all, we see them more than our family.  They are my extended family.  Since Wacker announced the closing of our site it has been sad around the office.  We know not only will our jobs come to an end, but also seeing the people we see everyday.  People that have shared there sad times and there good times together.

We have also lost 2 our our co-workers in the last month to suicide.  It is not like we needed anything else to dampen our spirits..  Wacker paid for a counsler to come in and speak with us on the deaths of our co-workers.  The sucides happened about 3 weeks apart..  I am not sure if it helped or not but I saw a few men tear up and I know it has affected us all.  Some are mad and some just don't understand. 

God gave me the gift of encouragement - so I have definitely put it to work.. I decided I would bake a cake and make the birthdays here very special. I also suggested that we meet once a week just to get us all in one room that way we can keep an eye on each other and see what state of mind people are in. Oh we are not shy around here.  We speak our minds pretty much so...

It was Sam's birthday on Wednesday.  It snuck up on me but we took him to lunch anyway.  I baked a cake last night and will celebrate again today.   I will add a couple of pics to the post when we cut the cake...

Sam is a great guy.  He is a wonderful husband to Elaine and a great father to his son Chris.  I have saw him mellow out in the last few years... His bark is loud, but deep down he is a softee. I am thankful the Lord allowed my path to cross with Sam.... When we part our seperate ways I know that he will always be a special friend. 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!!!!

Clutter Busting

I read the following statement the other day and I thought- So that is how you do it? But I can't part with some of my clutter

" Basically, for every new item you bring in to your home, you have to take one out. Give it as a gift, donate it to charity or put it into the garage sale/eBay box. It doesn’t matter where it goes, just as long as it goes!

What do you mean take one out? How do you do that?  - Identify your top clutter areas and use the “One in, One Out” rule for just these areas. If the clutter level in your home is high, you can use the “One in, Two Out” rule to get things under control even faster. For example, if the kids’ toys and mom’s shirts are 2 things that are overabundant in your house, first pare them down. Once you get to the right number, the only way to keep it at or close to that number is to enforce the rule. When you’re thinking of buying a new toy or shirt, think to yourself, “Am I really prepared to take an old one out and donate/sell it?” 

You may find it helps eliminate the “more is better” attitude so prevalent in our society and teach them to value what they have.

The “One in, One Out” rule will help you to keep your fantastic results after decluttering by maintaining the level of your stuff. We don’t want our possessions to be in charge of us!


Not sure I can do this- but it is worth a try...  You can read the article over here

Publix-2/24/2010

I made a trip to Publix today for the new weekly specials. 

2 boxes of ceral

2 bottles of Juicy Juice

2 boxes of brownie mix

2 Pam cooking spray

2 boxes of Bayer Asprin

4 containers of Right Guard deodorant

2 bags of Green Giant steamers veggies

2 colgate wisps

$41.64

Vendor coupon- $13.20

Store coupon-$3.70

Special Price Savings-$24.74

Total paid- $11.04

Wordless Wednesday

I thought I would join my friend/sister Ashlee on Wordless Wednesday... 

Erica and Justin on his 18th birthday.... Pimp Daddy Justin..LOL

Friends

When someone allows you to bear his burdens, you have found deep friendship!!

Are you carrying someones burden for them?    

Food Lion- 2/22/2010

I was reading here today and saw some awesome closeout deals at Food Lion.  I gathered up my coupons and made the trip.  I had to go to two different Food Lions to find what I was looking for.  But I did very well

My first stop I purchased  1 box of Trix and 1 box of Cocoa Puffs, and two refills for the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner

Ceral was $3.69 BOGO making it $1.65 each x MQ $1.00 off 2

final price of $1.15 each

Scrubbing Bubbles were marked down to $1.95 regular price of $4.49 x MQ BOGO

The coupon took off $4.49 so I ended up paying 0 for the refills with an .59 overage.

Total cost$ 2.06 includeing tax

Total Savings-$13.50

I stopped by the other Food Lion because the first one I stopped at did not have any of the Automatic Shower Cleaners which were marked down too.

I purchased a gallon of Milk, Diet Coke, and 2 automatic shower cleaners.

Milk- $2.49

Diet Coke-$.99

Shower Cleaner-$7.99 and I had a MQ-$7.00- making it .99 each

Shower cleaner was marked down from $16.99

Total paid- $6.83

Savings of $31.43

CVS Trip- 2/19/2010

I stopped by CVS today at lunch. I walked away spending 63 cents. 

The SOBE water is normally $1.59 each.  Toothpaste is $2.99.  I walked out of CVS paying 63 cents and $2.00 Extrabucks.  I had plans picking up some more items but they were out of stock..

I will try again tomorrow.. 

Publix- 2/19/2010

I went to Publix again today.. I am hooked on Publix... I love that place.. 

Quess what I paid for 6 boxes of Pasta and 2 loaves of garlic bread?  If you guessed $2.16

you are correct.    I was very proud of this purchase...

Pizza Pizza

Participating Little Caesars are having a Customer Appreciation Day on February 24th. This means $3.99 pizzas for a pepperoni or cheese pizza. You can also print a coupon for Crazy Bread and Sauce here.

So- how about a pizza and a movie.. You can get free movies with rhe RedBox codes...

Publix Trip 2/18/2010

Another trip to Publix.. Oh how I love Publix.  Again, I didn't take a pic,,

10 boxes of Green Giant Veggies- $5.00 Reg Price- (1.39 each)
Lysol Cleaner-$.60 (reg price $3.19 each)
Soft Soap- $.30 (reg price $1.29 each)
2 boxes of Cheerios- $1.98 (reg price $3.49 each)
2-32 oz. Coffe-Mate creamer- $.40 (reg price $2.39 each)
4 Classic Pasta Sauce- $3.10 ( reg price $2.49 each)
2 bags of Soft Pretzels (I picked up the wrong ones and didn't realize it until I got home),  However the cashier still took my coupons)- $3.98 ( reg price $2.99 each)

total cost- $14.89

Savings Summary
Vendor coupon- $9.85
Store Coupon- $5.35
Special Price Savings- $19.32

$34.52 Savings
43% Savings..

Harris Teeter Trip

I am busy tonight looking over  blogs and the Harris Teeter website.  Wow, I can't believe the super double coupon special they have going on right now..  I think I will walk out of there tomorrow night with hardly paying anything.  I have to narrow it down to 20 coupons.. So it is not so easy..  The expert couponers are advising to use the high dollar coupons.  Harris Teeter is doubling up to $1.99. 

There is not a local Harris Teeter but I think it will be worth the drive.. I will post what goodies I got when I return from my shopping trip..

Walgreens Trip

I have been eye-balling the AirWick Fresh Matic Ultra Automatic spray starter kit.  But I just could not let go of the money ($14.98) to purchase one.  Well to my surprise Walgreen had them marked down 50% off.  Which made them $7.49.  I also had a $4.00/off coupon..  Off to Walgreens I went and got myself 5 of them.  Total Cost of $19.70;;;;

Walgreens advertised savings-$37.50
MFG coupon savings- $20.00

Total Savings of $57.50

I know there are only 4 in the picture but I shared one with someone.  I think that was the right thing to do.. Which most of the excess items that I purchase I give away anyway...

A good deed is never lost: he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; and he who plants kindness gathers love.

TRUST

Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)




5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;



6. in all your ways acknowledge him,


and he will make your paths straight.

Sometimes Most of the time we find it so hard to trust God.  It's not that we really don't think God knows what he is doing, it is just that we don't see the big picture.  I should probably say, that is a good thing.  When we lose someone close to us, it is so hard to trust God.. I mean does he not realize how much I am hurting?  Of course he does, and because I know that God knows, I can find peace in knowing that God loves me.. He knows what is best.. He wants us to be happy.. So, even though it is hard to let go and let God..  I am letting go.... Thank you for loving me and caring about me and my pain... I know it will heal.. I know I will be stronger one day.. I know that I am loved by you.  No matter how alone I feel.  I know you are right there....

Valentines Day for my Loves

Today is Valentines Day...  Valentines Day means different things to different people.  This is what Wilkipedia says about Valentines Day

  an annual holiday held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions.The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Since my children have been born, the holiday took different meaning to me.. It was not that much of an intimate companion holiday as it was showing my love to everyone.  Which we should do everyday anyway,

When I was younger and was dating it was about the opposite sex sending me flowere and or buying me candy.  After the kiddies were born I think the focus was more on them.. Making sure we had the girls something for Valentines day..  I am not one into gift receiving anyway..  I had much rather give than receive. 

This year I purchased both of my daughters a necklace, which I hope shows them how deeply I love them.. I don't know if they will wear them, but the gift was special to me...

It is a sterling silver necklace with the words Mother, Daughter, Friend....

To both of my sweethearts.. I love you both very much......

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

Publix Trip 2/11/2010

As I posted yesterday, I had plans to return to Publix and stock up again.  I got everything on my list except the yogurt.  They were none in sight.  They actually only had two kinds the day before, Key Lime and Peach which are not my favorite, but I do like them.. 

I got all of the above for $20.90.  I saved $58.10..

2 OceanSpray Cranbery grape juice

3 bags of Betty Crocker Cookie Mix

2 bottle of Excedrin

2 Kens Marinade & Sauce

2 boxes of Orville Redinbacker Popcorn

2 boxes of Fruit Loops

2  2-pak of Country Crock

3 Betty Crocker Icing

2 bottles of Lysol Kitchen Cleaner

2 bottles of Lysol Multi-surface cleaner

2 paks of Keebler Cookies

1 Crystal Light on the Go

Publix Trip 2/10/2010

I scored again at Publix this week.  In fact I will be going back again tomorrow...  ..  My total savings was $49.10.  I had $13.30 in coupons. Store savings of $30.00.  The BOGO deals at Publix this week are pretty awesome.  Bilo and Publix both have ceral this week.  They are BOGO and there are many coupons out there.  Here is what I got..



All of these items are BOGO- and I had 2 coupons for each item.

 2-pak of Country Crock -- Final price after coupons- +.01 - (I made a penny)
Orville Redenbacher-10Pk -mini bags popcorn- $1.94 each
Blue Diamond Almonds- $ 1.10 each
Betty Crocker Frosting- $.50 each
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix- $.34 each
Yoplait Fiber one yogart (4-pk)- $.25 each
Kens Steak House Marinade- $.90 each
Lysol All Perpose Cleaner (I got 6 of these)- $.35 each
Keebler Cheesecake Middle cookie- $.75 each

Total paid- $ 13.49 + .48 tax = $13.97

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps...
I'm just saying.....

Ten Things I am Thankful for on Thursday

1. I am thankful for Erica & Lindsey
2. I am thankful that Erica is getting paid to go back to school.
3. I am thankful for my lovely sisters
4. I am thankful that today I still have a job.
5. I am thankful that Jason was so loved, and that his family saw how much he was loved by his friends.
6. I am thankful for all the memories I have of Jason Williams.
7. I am thankful that God does not answer all of our prayers.
8. I am thankful that my friend Daryl has a full-time job now...
9. I am thankful that the snow and ice are gone (for right now)
10.I am thankful that I have some awesome people in my life..

CVS

I stopped by CVS on my way home from work.. I have felt a little run down and thought I would pick up some vitamins. I had coupons for a few other things but they were out of stock. I also needed some moisturizer. Here is what I got.

CVS had there Nature's Bounty vitamins on sale for BOGO. Here is what I got...

B12 vitamin $9.19 BOGO- ($4.60 each) $5.00 MC x 2= .80 (overage)
Triple Strength Cranberry-$9.99 BOBO ($5.00 each) $5.00 MC x 2 = Free
Moisturizer- $ 21.99

Total- $21.19 ( I could not wait for the moisturizer to go on sale:(. I was out...

Publix Shopping Trip

I finally got all my coupons cut & sorted.. Which was a huge headache.  I had gotten so behind.. Some of my coupons had already expired.  Of course, I could have never gotten it completed without the help of my friend Vance.   He and Brian have really gotten good at the couponing.  I would have never have thought to sort my coupons the way he does, but hey... it works..  He has really given me some good pointers, and I have to say he has an impressive stock pile.  He literaly has paid $0.00 for the items he gets.  He does a lot of research and he is really eager to share with everyone about couponing. 

On with my post.... I did really well today at Publix.  Publix's has mucho BOGO this week and most of the items have coupons to go with them.. Here is what I purchased... Sorry no pics.. Just didn't feel like it..

I had coupons for everything except the Special K & the Mt Olive pickles, but they were BOGO.

Mt. Olive Pickles -$2.79 BOGO- ($1.40 each)
Special K BlueBerry (yum-yum)-$3.99 BOGO ($2.00 each)
Heluva good Dip-$2.00 BOGO ($1.00 each) $1.00 off MC x 2 = FREE
Glass Plus - $2.49 BOGO- ($1.25 each) $1.00 off MC x 2 = $0.25 each
Kraft Mac & Cheese- $1.99 BOGO ($1.00 each) $1.00 off 2 MC = .50 each
Arm & Hammer Advance White Tooth Paste $2.99 BOBO ( $1.50 each) $1.00 MC=$0.50 each
Chef Boyardee Beefaroni-$1.49 each (.75 each) $1.00 off 2 MC= $.25 each
Smithfield Bacon- $3.99 BOGO ($2.00 each) $0.55 MC Doubles($1.10) x 2= $0.90 each
Cheez-Its- $3.99 BOGO ($2.00 each) -$0.75 off MC x 2 = $1.25 each
Ball Park Franks-$3.99 BOGO ($2.00 each)- $1.00 of 2 MC = $1.50 each
Frenchs Squeeze Mustard- $$1.79 BOGO ($0.90 each) $1.00 MC x 2= +$.20 (overage)
Total Cost=$17.08 before taxes

Total Cost before coupons-$31.50
Savings with Coupons-$14.42

Not too bad..  Thanks to BHammond over at Smartshopping2009.com