
I just ordered 100 Free Business Cards from Market Splash. Go here and get yours! They would be great to promote a blog, or small business, or even just keep your email address or phone number handy for when you bump into someone you want to keep contact with! No more searching around for paper and pen! 
Saturday, February 28, 2009
100 Free Business Cards
Thursday, February 26, 2009
About "MOM" by My 8 1/2 year old son
1. What is something mom always says to you?
I love you
2. What makes mom happy?
a hug
3. What makes mom sad?
fighting with my brother
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
telling me something funny
5. What was your mom like as a child?
very playful
6. How old is your mom?
not sure...I think 20 (bless his heart!)
7. How tall is your mom?
3 or 4 feet
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
play games with me
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
I don't know because I am not there
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
because you are the all time best writer
11. What is your mom really good at?
losing at Monopoly
12. What is your mom not very good at?
going into the basement
13. What does your mom do for a job?
write
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
spaghetti
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
getting lots of money for her blogs
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
I think mom would be Odie
17. What do you and your mom do together?
cuddle
18. How are you and your mom the same?
we're both blonde
19. How are you and your mom different?
I play spore and Mom doesn't
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
lets me keep my cat
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
he is a computer geek
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Splash Universe
About "MOM" by My 11 year old daughter
1. What is something mom always says to you?
clean up your room
2. What makes mom happy?
dad
3. What makes mom sad?
dad not coming home on time from work
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
singing ridiculous songs
5. What was your mom like as a child?
disobedient (what!!!???? not telling her any more of those stories!!!)
6. How old is your mom?
growing up, she had a pet dinosaur (she is soooo in trouble!!)
7. How tall is your mom?
about 5 feet, 7 inches
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
spend time with me
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
eat ice cream and bring out the ponies
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
because you are the all time best writer
11. What is your mom really good at?
being mom
12. What is your mom not very good at?
dont know...there are many things she stinks at... (I am soo going to ground her!)
13. What does your mom do for a job?
nurse, taxi driver, cook, maid, laundress, and just MOM
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Salad
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
the fact that she can quote movies in the store and not be embarrassed
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Garfield
17. What do you and your mom do together?
shop til we drop
18. How are you and your mom the same?
we're both girls
19. How are you and your mom different?
just about every other way
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
lets us sleep in her bed when we are sick
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
the fact that he is dad
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
anywhere but home.
ok, folks...is my daughter like me or what???? I guess my mother was right....
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
DayBook
For Today...Feb 24, 2009 (so I am a day late...)
Outside my window... bright sunshine, a bit warmer
I am thinking... that Spring needs to get here!
From the learning rooms... trying to get back into the swing of things...it's just not happening for me.
I am thankful for... my family that loves me, even when I am cranky.
From the kitchen... trying to get organized and clean out the pantry shelves.
I am wearing... black pants, white top from my friend Lisa, tennis shoes
I am reading... The Left Behind Series
I am hoping... that my icky tummy will be gone soon
I am creating... a garden landscape that will be pretty
I am hearing...The Incredibles being watched again.
Around the house... everything is out of whack for me. I can't seem to get it together. I have lost shoes, keys, and other things this week. What is the matter with me??
One of my favorite things... getting new books from the library.
A few plans for the rest of the week... trying to catch up, get re-organized, and get my self back on track
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Free Roast Burger from Arbys

Go here to print off your coupon for a free Arby's Roast Burger with a drink purchase. One per person per visit.
Free Quizno Sub

Go here to get your free coupon sent to your email...um, um, um, um...toasty!
Free Pancakes at IHOP
Don't forget to get your pancakes at IHOP today!
IHOP is giving away one free shortstack of pancakes per customer! All they ask is that you make a donation for the Children's Miracle Network. See details and find out if your store is participating here.
Friday, February 20, 2009
12 Years and Counting...
To my wonderful Husband:
Happy Anniversary, darling. Today, we celebrate 12 years together. I love you more now than I thought ever possible, and each day it just gets better and better. We have weathered many storms throughout our marriage, and have outlasted them all. I am excited about what the next 12 years will bring for us, and am glad that I can share them with you.
For those of you who might (or might not) be interested...our wedding story!
We had only dated for 3 months when I was proposed to. In Janurary of 1997, we had just come back from a weekend in Illinois, seeing my sister and his sister. We had borrowed my mother's car phone (remember those? They weighed like 30 lbs. and were as big as a small suitcase!) in case of emergencies. But, it was still in his car.
My brother and his wife were traveling to Wisconsin to take his children back to their mother and had gotten into an accident. They needed the phone to get ahold of the kids' mom. So, off I went. I was babysitting my then 2 month old nephew, Taylor, so he was with me. I had to find Karl's car to get the phone. When I couldn't find it in the parking lot where he worked, I figured that I would try his favorite fast food place, Burger King. And (it was God!) there he was! I went up behind him, and surprised him.
My nephew and I ate with Karl, and he ordered the "usual". Chicken sandwich, cut in half, with cheese, and onion rings. I must have looked "motherly" while playing with Taylor, as Karl suddenly looked at me and said, in a romantic voice, "So, you wanna get married, or what?". He held out an onion ring for me and it was settled.
I was engaged to be married.
Planning our wedding was not quite so easy. We moved the date 3 times, trying to find something that "everyone else" would like. We were members of a church that didn't have the "dream wedding" look to it, so we found another church that would allow us to us it, provided that the minister could say a prayer or whatever. Cool with us. We booked the photographer, limo, and reception hall. I picked my sis and 2 sis-in-laws as well as my future sis in law for my brides maids.
Easy enough, exciting enough, right? Oh, ye, of little imagination!
Right after Valentines Day, my life fell apart. In a 48 hour span (and I kid you not!!!) I had the following things happen to me.
1. My sister called and said that she would not be able to make my wedding. As my matron of honor, that really stunk! I had to find someone else.
2. The church that we had previously booked called, and said that their board members had decided against us using the church since we were not, nor not planning on becoming, members.
3. The photographer called, and said that he had accidentally overbooked and could no longer do our wedding date. Of course, the deposit was non-refundable, but he would be happy to do another day!
4. The limo service said that they were going out of business, and would not be able to do our wedding.
5. I couldn't agree with my mother on how to proceed with the reception, or brides maids, or dresses.
So, I did what any stressed out girl would do. I cried my eyes out, declared that I didn't want to get married anymore, and ate a 1/2 gallon of Ben and Jerry's.
When I explained what happened to Karl, the answer came to him. "Let's just elope," he said. Funny, my sis had just suggested that same thing earlier that day. We talked about it for a day or two, and finally, we called a wedding service. We met him at the Comfort Inn Suites, and I called two of my roommates to be witnesses. With Chinese food in our bellies, and a pack of ciggarettes for "groomsmen presents" for my roommates, we said our vows. Oh, it was sooo sweet.
Then, we went to work.
People thought we were crazy, having just gotten married, and then going to work??? But, we didn't have time to take the days off! And, we knew that the rest of our lives, we could take time for each other. And we did, and we still do.
We didn't actually tell anyone that we got married for 3 days. Partly due to fear. Fear of ruining the image, I guess. Of what, I am not sure. But, they all got over it. (as if they had a choice, eh? ;)
In the last 12 years, we have moved 12 times in 6 states. We have 3 wonderful, beautiful children. We have hit highs and lows, and I wouldn't change them for anything.
Now, you know the whole story.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Free Samples
Get a free sample of Always Infinity here.
Get a free sample of Poise pads here.
Get a free sample of Benefiber here.
Get a sample of Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Makeup here.
SAY WHAT?????
It's no secret that my children are homeschooled. I am very happy to be their mother and very satisfied with my choice to homeschool. They are excelling, even without me pushing them.
As their mother, I get to be part of the two person team (their father and I) that decide when and how they should learn things. Some subjects we just don't feel are right for my 11 year old daughter to have to worry about at this age. We get to protect her innocence for as long as possible...and I love it!
It's also no secret that my children attend a "homeschool support school" on Fridays. The school is part of a local denominational church here and for 4 hours each week, homeschool students in the area get to go and learn about Christian heros, play sports, and have some fun with friends. It was an ideal situation for all of them. They got to play with other kids their own age, and I didn't have to worry about what they were learning there.
Or so I thought.
My daughter came up to me yesterday with her creative writing assignment. She was to "put herself in the President's posiiton", and she had a list of 23 topics that she was supposed to write sentences about. You know, things that the President may have to worry about. Keep in mind that this is my 11 year old daughter!
The topics included things such as agriculture, job loss, economy, NASA. Ok, I thought. She can think about how to make a difference. She is, after all, a future leader of this country.
But, what got my goat was the topics on abortion, gay marriage, war, and murder. UMMM...are you kidding me????? The class that she is in is comprised of 10, 11, and 12 year old girls!!! These were things that my daughter really didn't have a clue on, since we didn't feel that she was ready to take on the "heavy weight" of knowing about these just yet. How could she write about them?
No worries! The teacher just took my place and explained to these girls what each of these topics are! To say that I was angry was putting it mildly! We were forced to have a conversation with my daughter on topics that we did not feel she was remotely ready for yet.
My hubby and I are going to talk to this teacher (who happens to be the head of the school) tomorrow...our children's days there may just be over, which is sad for them. They love the sports, and have lots of good friends. But, my daughter will never be able to have that innocence again. She will forever have the knowledge and can no longer hear the news on the radio without wondering...
I feel sooo violated.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Coupons for Halls and Suave

Go here to print a $.50/1 Halls coupon.
Go here to print off a $1/1 Suave body wash(or lotion) 18oz or larger. You can get a great deal with these at CVS this week!
Deal Idea:
buy 3 of the Suave body wash for $6.00
use 3 $1/1 Suave coupons (you will need 2 computers to do this)
Pay $3 OOP and get $2 ECB back
Total after coupons and ECB=$.33 each...not a bad deal!
Thanks, Money Saving Mom
Monday, February 16, 2009
DayBook

For Today...Feb 16, 2000
Outside my window... partly sunny, snow on the ground
I am thinking... that I am glad that the laundry was caught up when my children brought me the basket full of "hidden" clothes needing to be washed
From the learning rooms... I am trying to get back into the swing of things, but it just isn't working. Considering ending the school year until July when it's too hot to play outside anyway.
I am thankful for... Mercy and Grace...because I just don't deserve it.
From the kitchen... I am trying to balance my food budget that has gone completely awry the last few weeks.
I am wearing... my red robe, until I get my "rear in gear" and change into workout clothing
I am reading... the Left Behind series. I usually go through it once a year.
I am hoping... to get caught up on my blogging. It seems that I never have time anymore.
I am creating... a heart that longs for simpler times.
I am hearing... the puppy crying that he wants to be outside with the other dog.
Around the house... dust needs to be wiped out, floors need to be mopped, and bathroom needs to be scrubbed. But, I just can't seem to find that motivation!
One of my favorite things... cuddling with my hubby.
A few plans for the rest of the week... going to the fabric store to get fabric for 4H projects, ordering the chicks, finalizing plans for coop and garden, and grocery shopping (AGAIN!!)
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
sorry...for some reason, I am unable to load pictures on blogger...I will have my uber-techno-geek hubby take care of this!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
My shopping trip
I hit CVS today with my niece, teaching her the ways of the frugal minded.
We had a good time and got a few great deals, too. Here is what I got in one single transaction.
1 CVS feminine pad
1 CVS tampon
2 Xtra Laundry soap
2 Colgate toothpaste
1 CVS dry sweeper pads
1 pk Instant Energy drinks
1 bottle Dr. Pepper
1 Fusion Razor
Total before coupons $33.72
minus coupons
Total after coupons $4.73 put on free gift card
Got back ECB $5.98 for toothpaste, $4.00 for razor, $4.99 for energy drinks

Thursday, February 12, 2009
Home Economics 101
My darling niece, Ashley has come to live with us. She is a delight to have. But, she has never had a chance to learn how to cook or bake. I decided that it was high time she learned!
Her first project was making dinner. She made meatloaf, and mashed potatoes. Yes, they were the boxed potatoes, but she still made them herself!



Then, we worked on more serious business. She whipped up some cupcakes for Ka's birthday tomorrow, and a cake for her uncle. 



The latter being so that she can "butter him up" for a rabbit, but that's a whole different blog posting!
This morning, Ashley learned the fine art of French toast. Easy enough, and it turned out great!
I think it's time to move her to more serious business, don't ya think? Perhaps Swedish meatballs or Swedish pancakes in honor of our Grammy...
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Life Changes...
Tomorrow, it will be a week since our life and household has changed drastically. We drove to Ohio last Wednesday to pick up my niece, Ashley, so that she could come live with us.
I gotta tell ya, having her here is awesome! She is sooo great with the kids, and they just adore her! Ashley and I have always been good friends, but it has taken on a whole new meaning for me having her here now.
I would ask that you would pray for her. She needs Jesus, peace, and joy right now. Her life has had it's shares of ups and downs and I would love nothing more than to see her get to know the Creator of her story. 
FREE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION!

To get your free subscription to Woman's Day magazine, click here.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Back to the Ol' Drawing Board
After the Christmas decorations are packed and stored, the old year over, the New Year holiday a memory, it becomes that time of year again…the time that I dread….BACK TO SCHOOL!
To see the rest, come on over here.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
My son and his faithful cat, Frisky
People just don't believe me that a CAT can love a child, but I tell you, this one is different. Frisky just adores Neeko, and can't stand it when he isn't home. We were gone most of the day yesterday, so she really missed him. She didn't leave his side all night long!!
This is what I found when I went to check on him. Cute, isn't it? 

My shopping trip
I went to CVS, Walgreens and Kroger this week. Now, before I show you what great deals I got, let me tell you a funny story. My friend and I shop together once a week and we plan our trips over coffee. We spent about 1 1/2 hours (longest ever!) planning our Kroger Mega Sale trip. It was all worked out so that we got over $400 worth for less than $40! Excitedly, we trekked into Kroger. But, as we were getting our list, we noticed that the signs did not match what was on sale. HUH?
So, off to get a sale ad we went. We couldn't figure out what happened. Then, as we went to ask about it, we noticed what went wrong. The sale that we were shopping for and had spent all that time planning ended the day before. I was soooo upset with myself!!! We wound up leaving there and buying nothing this time.
Note to self: CHECK SALE END DATES!!
But, we did go to CVS and Walgreens and get a few deals. Our CVS is ALWAYS out of stock on the sale items, so our we didn't get all that we planned, but we still had fun.
Here is what I got at CVS
Trans #1 1 Pantene $5.99
minus coupons $2/1 mfg, $3 ECB
total $1.20 on gift card (from transferred prescription)
Trans #2 1 Pantene $5.99
minus coupons $2/1 mfg, $2 ECB
total $2.27 on gift card
Trans #3 and 4--wash, rinse, and repeated #2
left with $2 ECB for next time, and no money spent out of pocket since it was all on my free gift card!
At Walgreens, I had pretty good luck, too
2 Pert Plus $1.99 (after ESC)
1 Garnier Fructis $3.99
1 Windex Wipes $3.99
1 Revlon foundation $9.99
minus coupons
2 $1/1 Pert Plus
1 $/1 Garnier (on tearpad by the shampoo in my store)
1 $.40/1 Windex
1 $2/1 Revlon
Total OOP $18.36. I will submit this for rebates for $16.40 (with 10% bonus). PLUS, I had a coupon with the windex to submit for a FULL rebate from the manufacturer! So, I will get $3.99 back from that, for a total profit of $2.04!
What "scores" did you get this week?






