Scrabble

My grandparents and I played a game of Scrabble yesterday, while Ella was in school, and Philip played in the same room.

The master of crossword puzzles won yet again.

Next time, Gram and I decided we'll just play each other.... ;-)

My grandfather ALWAYS wins. And that's not good for me, since I play to win! LOL! But that's okay....his technique at that game is exceptional!

On to Kimmy's questions: I have yelled before, honestly, and I think the first time I ever did that was at Ella. You find out a lot about yourself when you have children that suprise you with things they do and attitudes they uncover as the get older. I am trying to curb that reaction, since I grew up not ever being yelled at as I remember. No fist fights with anyone though LOL! What a question!

About the purse. I won't deny it. Yep I am done...for now... LOL......I am becoming obsessed myself with purses. My friend Katie gave me some that were given to her by her mother in law (they are quite nice and name branded) and I keep finding some at Goodwill (and by the way, I found one for you, but you have to see me to get it !LOL!).

Parenting

Beth asked about my biggest challenge as a parent. It is this...

My own failure to live up the expectations that I think that a WIFE needs to be to her husband, WHILE being a mother.

For example....not having enough energy to accomplish household chores that I know encourages Rich...and also, not having the quality time alone, on dates, that we need. And that last one is the biggest one, I think.

Gosh, I am way to tired to finish this post, so there is a very short answer!

News story for the heart...

These documents are now open to the public..I honestly would like to be one that gets to read them first, with my interest in WW2. I never realized that there was so much information locked away...

A wish

I guess it never hurts to ask, does it?

A deep freezer, sewing machine, and laptop. Puhlease, Santa? LOL!

I am looking at sewing machines and am trying to figure out the best for a little. Rich and I are going to try to take care of the laptop situation soon. And the freezer, well, hopefully that can come about in the spring?

So glad that sleepy time is near. And that it is the end of the week..well, almost. Tomorrow night is a night out with the girls at a friends house where we will have dinner, and probably play a game, but also talk coupons. I can't wait to eat my friend's homemade soup!

With the holidays

I am always reminded of the day-by-day living that I personally need to do. Today, for instance, making hot chocolate for the kids..even if it was before bedtime.

Working on a simple bracelet on my grandmother's sewing machine.

Talking to a friend on the phone....who called me (thanks JEN!)....lifting me up when I needed it.

Finding out the influence you had on somebody...so that she could go couponing and save money.

Knowing that your parents smile at your children. Because they are grandparents.

Knowing that your grandparents' smile even more at your children. ;-) Because they are great grandparents.

Having a headache, but knowing it will go away when I fall asleep.

Reading a good book.

Realizing you just aren't super mom..and it's okay.

Understanding God's Word..daily..and desiring it.

The book I read tonight

(Yes all in one sitting..I am so bad..or good...however you wish to look at it I suppose)..The Solitude of Thomas Cave.

This author is older, and it's her first novel, although she has had a couple of other publications out. At the rate I am going, I'll probably be just like her! Nothing at all wrong with that, but interesting. I really enjoyed this book. I bet my dad, maybe Sam (if he reads), and my grandpa would enjoy this book, too. A few key words about it: 17th century, whaling, survival, and the Artic.

Up next: Austenland, by Shannon Hale (I'm thinking somone out there reading this blog has read this book? The main character, Jane, has an obessions with Mr. Darcy). And then, some romance that looked fairly interesting, Marquis in a Minute, by Roni Denholtz.

I just read another good book, but can't remember the title (isn't that awful?).

Anyways, here's a post so I can keep up with all you readers. LOL!

Collections

I have so many collections, Beth...but here are a few. I love to talk about some of them, so I thought I'd devote a whole post to collections.

For about 6 weeks now, I've collected coupons. I have hundreds. And I just threw away about 20 that expired. I have some more after Friday I can throw away. And then come Sunday, I bet I'll get a hundred more to cut out! LOL! I also, then, I guess, collect newspapers...just kidding...I throw those away. But I do have to buy several to get my coupons. And then even more sometimes. One week I spent $14 on papers. That makes up for this past Sunday when I didn't buy ANY b/c it was a no coupon insert weekend. Anyways..that's probably one of the most important collections now, since I am saving at least $100 a week(not that we spent $100 a week before couponing) on our grocery bill...that's just the amount that usually is totaled, on average, with my coupon savings and in store savings.....with so much more now in our cupboards and a stockpile. So yes, I think we spent like $250-350 on everything each month..food..diapers..household needs, etc. Now we spend less but have so much more. Yes..important new collections...Coupons...

My next biggest collection is scrapbooking items. Ahhhh. My friend, Jennifer, knows about this too. She is mainly a collector too these days ;-0 I do love to get the great clearanced scrapbooking/craft items. and then somedays, just take out the package and look at it. I am a nut, I know. I love to get it even though I probably won't use it for months...um...maybe even a year! I also LOVE to find embellishments, especially vintage ones. Buttons, ribbon, fabric, handkerchiefs, odds and ends of jewelry hardware....all that fun stuff.

Here's a couple of collections I used to collect: Boyds Bears and old, school, or antique books. I have tons of books...spellers, geography books, McGuffy Readers, dictionaries..just a lot. Also, before Philip I collected Boyds Bears, the stuffed ones. I won't ever get rid of what I have but I don't think I'll ask for anymore.

I do collect the Willow Tree figurines. I have 8 or 9 I think. I hope to get more in the future! Rich has been really good about this one.

I love scrapbooking magazines and books too. Even old ones.

Oh, and clothes for Ella. Yep. Definitely a collection there! LOL!

Well I need to go for now but I want to talk about other collections later!

Not doing real good with this list so far

I don't feel well, so there, that's my excuse! LOL!

We have started making pumpkin cookies, though, just now. One batch in the oven. Two more to go, at least. We have one set plain. The next has walnuts, and then comes the chocolate chips.

Hope to get rid of a basket of clothes that need put away in Ella's closet.

Then, maybe have Ella dust.

Sneaky, I know, but chores are good for all ages.

My good deals at the grocery store (and hope to pick up some more of the same thing later this week, well, I guess that'll have to be Wednesday)....50 cent snack mixes, and one dollar Bisquick mix (with my coupons). And .25 cent great, microwaveable soup!! I got 8!

Goals for this week....

Clean Ella's room.

Scrapbook one page.

Call some friends I haven't talked to in awhile.

Use my stockpile.

Dust.

Read.

Work on my devotional blog.

Take the kids' Christmas photos

Create one or two digital card templates

Create a digital scrapbook page

Read with the kids more

Clean the house up!

Dig out the Christmas cds.

REST..so I can catch up easier.

Too spent to spend

I was too spent, so I didn't go spend. LOL.

I took two naps today, though, and also made rolls, cake, and one more green bean casserole.

Yes, I wanted to go shopping but the physical me was too tired and too hurt. I feel very bad that I let my friend down...it seems for 11 years I've been letting friends down due to changed plans b/c of fibro! Thanks for hanging in there with me though ;-)

I wanted to start answering Beth's questions. Here's a couple:

1. What is your greatest memory as a child? This one is tough. I have many. Playing softball, with my dad as my coach, is one. Another one is when my mom brought home Charles Dickens (our cat growing up). And he sure was a Dickens. Here's another...my brother would wrap up "gifts" for me with newspaper. The gifts were things he didn't want anymore. And it was truly as many as you'd get on the best Christmas you had! And one more....my grandma Snyder picking me up from preschool Downtown Columbiana, and taking me to what was now Our Daily Bread, but was then, Italo's. We'd share some snack pizzas. I can taste them now!


2. Did/Do you ever wish you live somewhere other than here? Rich and I both still wish to live in Columbiana, and crazily in Nashville. I'd love to move to a Montana Ranch. LOL.


3. What has drawn you to singing and playing piano? You know, I really have no clue, except what has to be the Holy Spirit.

Currently, I don't get to practice, and I usually don't try. If I do, it's for a very short time. I was very studious with piano growing up, recitals and contests, and such, but have definitely lost some of my tedious classical touch. Hence, the lack of practicing for that stuff. How I WISH I could just sit down and play the classical music just as I used to. But, the pain in my hands and arms take affect too.

I sing b/c I enjoy it, and have finally felt that my voice is louder and more mature. I have so appreciated that turn of events. LOL! For a long time those aspects of my voice really was a challenge...in the small settings of a jazz choir in high school, to the band Rich and I were a part of severeal years ago. Since then, since neither of those things are currently what we take place in anyways, I think God has just drawn us in to simple music playing here and there, and then for me, at church, with the piano.


4. Is there anything you would still like to do with your life that you have not done yet? If so, what?

Why'd you have to ask this one? !LOL! ;-) I have so many things. Write a book, a novel and a devotional book, with my own photographs. That reminds me that my brother and sister in law had shown me awhile back a site that creates your book. I'll have to look into that.

Edited this one because I decided it's more on the personal side ;-)

Have the time to scrapbook avidly, and write songs. I have always written songs, and have some that just need tweaked to give to our music leader so we can perhaps use them for praise band/team. I do occassionally sing them at church, but it'd be sure nice for Rich and I to do a second cd. And sell some more of the first! ;-) Richie want to make his OWN Harmonica cd soon. I hope we can do that for him.

I don't think now is the time, but I would like to have a business that flows well, for photography I mean. Or even, photography and some of what my sister in law and I did with Embellish. Making things that can be embellished to use for fashion, gifts, or even the home. I have these feelings lately that photography is not what I should push right now, but just keep it going at a slow, slow rate b/c of our family things.

Also, most definitely, work on a Native American reservation. This has always been a dream..well, I think more of something that God put on my heart. It's an aching.

Also, visit the West. Mesa Verde, the Grand Canyon. And New England, Maine and such.

I have more but I suppose that's enough for now.



5. When are we gonna get together again? Hehe Hopefully soon. I think anyday is fine with me, and more so about 1:15. Ella is in school 12:30ish to 3:25. Do you pick a day, or should me? I don't know what to do! LOL!

My Mother Makes the Best Stuffing

She made it from scratch. Loved it. I have never truly loved or liked stuffing. Until today!

Hey Sam

I have been really appreciating your attention to my blog! I am truly honored. ;-) I have a lot of respect for you, and always find your blog very interesting. Since Iam having some bad insomnia again, I'll answer these probably sooner than you think.

Um, NOW?! LOL!

1) What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? Having those huge get togethers that we used to have- including cousins and aunts. Those are impossible now, due to situations, plus grandparents passed away.

2) What is your best honeymoon memory? Be honest. THis is easy: the hot tub in the cabin we went to. And our trip in general in Nashville/Smokeys. THat's where we got engaged (Nashville) and then where we went on our honeymoon. And then again a few months later! LOL! To be outdoors in a beautiful place, in a hot tub? That's probably not going to happen again! EVER! LOL!


3) What is your favorite movie? Well, it's still Last of the Mohicans. Why (I know you didn't ask this)....it's so passionate, historical, heartbreaking...and that's why I have been so intrigued by this movie.


4) Name your top five bands, no order needed.

Third Day, The Martins, Caedmans Call, Point of Grace, and well, here's a single one: Cindy Morgan. I can't think of a 5th band! Quite a variety, but I truly like all of these. The Martins especially when they do something a capella. HEY I just thought of another band: SELAH. Yeah, them too.

5) What color do you wish your hair was? RED. Not a carrot top red, but auburn-like. I have had it dyed like that twice but it doesn't last. :-(


And my previous post stated I'd be going out to get some food early. Forget it. It is so early and I am going back to bed. For a few hours. I have been w/o a certain supplement that helps me sleep, but I'll be getting it later today, so I won't have this problem anymore.

Ask Away

So I don't feel left out! Some other blogger friends have started this, so I thought why not. Do you have anything to ask me (or maybe a member of the family here!)? We will answer away.

Planning for BFADS

I bet some of you readers thought I misspelled my title! LOL!

Here's a few of the stores I am thinking about hitting on Black Friday: Toys R Us (although, last year I was there, and here's one word: CRAZINESS. Total craziness, people!), Pat Catan's (they have some $3 photo totes!!!), Disney Store, maybe, Michael's, Joanne's, Kohl's, and maybe Target. TRU has $3 Spidermen figures. And really, I am just shopping on behalf of grandparents. And honestly, I may not really want to spend money that day. There's nothing besides those $3 items I want! LOL! THose totes really work well as gifts!!!!!

BUT, I should've, pardon me, talked about THanksgiving Day. It's a wonderful holiday. I don't wish to offend, but I have learned why our first president instituted this day. To THANK GOD!!!!! Not the Native Peoples, soley.

We're all very excited here. Tomorrow is special. Some tough moments, as Grandma and Grandpa Duvall won't be present....I was sad about that today. Ella asked my Grandma Snyder when was she was ever like mommy. That was funny. Made my grandma laugh. What a thinker.

I love the parade. Ever since I could, I've watched it on TV. I don't want to miss it. I am going to GE in the morning, probably when they open at 7 am, to pick up .50 chex mix (so I can get the varieties I want FINALLY). And Rice Krispies for a little over a dollar a box. And maybe some great special dip. I have 9 coupons for the chex mix. It's on sale for 1.50/ea, and my coupon will make it a dollar off each! WOOHOO!!!! RK are 5/$10, and then you get $3 off instantly! WOOHOO! RK are my favorite, but I have tried other since grocery gaming. OH, and Bisquick will be a buck, and I only have 2 coupons for that, bummer. I think I had more in my ads but threw them away b/c I was sick of clipping and the mess! That teaches me! TOnight I wanted sooo badly to go gaming, but I was too tired. I had 2 coupons that would make instant potatoes free, and then another for .75/ea dressing, and then another for something else that was important, yeah,...you know. "Important!" LOL! That special dip, with my .75 coupon that can be doubled, will be fairly inexpensive too, to go with the crackers I bought awhile ago for cheap too!

If you want some tips about how to do this, let me know. I would be glad to help.

After this, I need to make couscous and a green bean casserole. ANd Rich is making something, although I am not sure if it is for here or there. :-)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Tomorrow I will be dressing ALL in the family up so I can get some pics too, for Christmas cards, hopefully!!!!!!!

Good morning

Isn't there a good morning song? I think I am singing it in my head. I know one of my friend's sing it all the time to her children. :-) It really is early! Insomia again!

Well, I learned from my friend, Alysha, that I forgot about the hospital's book fair. I missed it! That day was so busy, so I guess that is why I forgot this week. I have been getting into reading again. It's interesting how we go in spurts with things....for me, there has been spurts of NOTHING though LOL. Barrenness of anything extra. And then, spurts of things that continuously take you away from what you should be doing (such as reading, scrapbooking, sleeping ha!). And then spurts of things that just overtake your life....

Things such as...

Couponing. Looking through ads constantly, price comparing, list making, coupon clipping, coupon filing (or partial filing in my part), and shopping with the attitude of stockpiling. Oh MY. It's really an all for nothing kind of sport, I am realizing, at least for me.

I definitely will be needing a vacation from that. Maybe. Saving money is WORK! It really is. WOrth it, but then you get obsessed, b/c if you miss out on a deal or skip a week, you may feel very behind!!!

Today I am trying to plan a time alone so I can visit my friend, Katie, who is leaving soon...well, moving. :0*(I am so sad. But glad she has a showing later today that looks good. SHe'll be cleaning so I am going to watch Autumn.

The kids are going to spend time with my grandparents. Gram is making pies today for Turkey Day! Yum!

I hope to make plans with my other book reading friend, Alysha....and maybe this time my kids will behave. I get so frustrated when a friend get together gets bogged down b/c of my children not listening. I get frustrated, and embarrased. Oh well. I know that happens.

Rich and I actually PRACTICED for our future mini Christmas music program for a group in Canfield that is coming up in a few weeks. We never practice, honestly, so it was nice to get a head start! LOL!

A nice, checking up on you phone call last night meant a lot..Thank you Jennifer.

Today, no soreness from my adventures yesterday. At least not that I can feel. It is before six in the morning.

Off to surf the bookstores website. I am interested in a DVD that has Bible stories on it for the kids, perhaps.

What I inherited my mother

Great Legs.

Compassion.

Love.

And the not so good sense of moving furniture around by yourself! LOL! ;-)

I am totally paying the emotional and physical price. It was just too much, but the room of Philip Russell looks a lot better.

The TURKEY was bought today~

And much more, with a savings of 60%. Includes 30 cents mashed potatoe boxes, free toothpaste, next to nothing shampoo and conditioner...cereal boxes a dollar each....salad dressings 75 cents. Well, I could go on, but a lot of savings. A LOT! I am so excited!

So, we have a nice dinner to look forward too this week. YEAH!

Ella's class did so well cooking. I helped, and it was so sweet to see the kids. She did great at the dentist's office, too. TWO OF HER TEETH ARE WIGGLING TOO!!!!!!!

Omigoodness. I just couldn't believe them when they said that! She's growing up tooooo fast!!!

Fall Post Again

Behind my parents house, but actually it is their neighbors tree, and everyone's sunset.

Is is time for a longer post?

I woke up early today, and I really am not sure I'll be able to go back to bed before I get done here, with this post, and before Rich gets up and leaves for work. That's okay, but a long day is a coming today. We have Ella's dentist appointment, a Walgreen's trip for some free stuff (aren't coupons great!), Giant Eagle trip as well, and off to Sparkle for a small turkey. Gram and I are going to split one, and I am going to roast it for both of us. We did that last year. Ella's little Thanksgiving party is today, and I offered to help, so my sister in law is coming over to watch Philip for me.

Later tonight....oh my...I have sooooo much laundry to put away it is making my head spin. Plus there's more downstairs. We have no laundry baskets available! And the thing is, if we'd get more, they'd probably get full too. Isn't that sad?

Church yesterday was wonderful. My grandparents were there, too, bless their hearts. Gram had been in the hospital overnight on Friday because of her heart. She's alright, and looking forward to getting into the holiday swing of things. Prayers. That word says so much.

Philip is a storyteller, did anyone know that? He cracks us up. CRACKS US UP! He is so serious about his stories, and the details...how can a two and a half year old come up with stuff like this? A cat falling, hitting his head, hurting his stomach, (and his other stomach), and I don't know what else.

Philip also loves his mommy. He'll just say, out of the blue, "MY MOMMY!" I love LOVE that!
It makes me melt.

Grocery shopping this past week was great, saving over 50%. I also found some good extra gifts at Marcs. Their closeouts can be a wonderful thing, and at .99, yes they are! They also still have toothbrushes 5/$1.

Three other ladies at church and I are singing a quartet on Dec. 1st! I am so excited. We practiced a little bit on Sunday, and we have four part harmony. Beautiful. It's been so long since doing this type of thing. It brings back memories of my high school mini jazz choir my 2 good friends and I were in. Then it brings back a memory of one of those friends...we are estranged, I guess. Very heartbreaking, but I still think about it and pray that God works another miracle.

I've been playing the Traditional Holiday Music channel from our cable lately, and the kids so enjoy dancing to it! I love that music! We have a tree up, too, already.

By the way, the previous post about Buddy's shirt made my husband and dad think about Rich's favorite musician...BUDDY GREEN! Get it? I put Buddy's Green Shirt, and they almost read Buddy Green's Shirt. LOL! Oh brother!!!!

Well, our church is so blessed in knowing that God has brought a new pastor and family to us. And they are arriving this week. Such an exciting time!

I better go. My little girl just woke up and I had to give her a snack. It's 6 am and really am going to try to sneak in some more z's.

Later, expect a post about some exceptional books I have read. One is Ted Deker's Blink of an Eye. Read totally like a movie. Suspensful and political, religious, and romantic, just a tad.

And, The Penny Tree. Not a Christian novel, and it has some elements of concern, but very VERY good. I loved it because of the frankness of motherhood.

Rough Draft of a Bracelet

But I am making another one...not for me....