I have no idea what to think. Kaelah peed all over our entryway rug and floor this evening, but then proceeded to head to the potty to do her first doo doo in the potty. I was so upset then so proud of her! That child never ceases to amaze me. I never know what she is thinking, but she's always up to something.
Tonight, as we were cleaning up our toys outside, Haleah and Kaelah and I got on the trampoline and lay down together. We were staring at the clouds and Haleah said, "Is that a cumulous cloud, Mommy?" What a smart one. Then she snuggled closer to me and said, "I love you, Mommy." I thought that was so sweet. Haleah rarely spontaneously shows her affection in an overt way, so that was so special to me to hear that.
I am excited that I got Haleah signed up for preschool in the fall. I know it is going to be a great benefit to her. And she said, "I won't be naughty for my teacher, Mommy. I will be a good girl." I told her that I knew she would be a good girl and that she would meet lots of friends too. Haleah inquired about boys and seemed happy to hear that they would be in her class too.
This weekend was full and fun. We did a lot of family gardening together in our front yard and still have a bit of a way to go. But it is so rewarding to see "the fruits" of our labor and to have a yard that looks/seems well-groomed (or at least properly maintained).
Off to do a bunch of paperwork before bed! Life is good.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day-- Ray of Light
It was an unexpected encounter that moved me deeply, beyond words. I was racing out of my house early this morning to catch a few deals, on a mission... I made it into Walmart to grab my sale items and make my way to the check out line. The cashier was having trouble ringing through my items and called for a manager. As I was waiting, I glanced behind me. A man was carefully placing his items on the belt, waiting for his turn. I noticed that he was stacking cat food cans and kitty litter---lots of it. I looked at him and then it dawned on me---he was wearing his black and yellow U.S. Veteran's hat and matching jacket. I didn't look at it closely, but I recognized right away, that he had served our country. And when my brain caught up with my sight, I realized it was Memorial Day and that I had to say something to this man.
I said matter of factly, "Sir, I just want to thank you for serving our country. It means so much. Thank you." And I shook his hand and made it a point to look him straight in the eyes. He looked at me and smiled and almost started to cry. He said I had made his day... I found that comment to be interesting. Didn't any one else ever thank him? It seemed like such a simple comment to make...
I was then interrupted, my attention being drawn back to the transaction at hand. I answered a couple of questions for the cashier who was now fiddling (actually, fighting) with her cash register. I glanced at the former serviceman again. He said to me, "You know, there is a story that goes along with all of this cat food..." And I began to listen...
He said, "I served in WWII with my brother right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. My brother was killed and my plane was shot down and I became a prisoner of war. I was caged, without food, for days on end. But there was this cat that would come by my cage and mew at me. Every day I waited for that comfort and connection that that cat would bring. And then one day, after I was almost dead from starvation, that cat came back to me and dropped a dead rat outside my cage for me. I reached between the bars of the cage and grabbed that rat and ate it. That cat saved my life."
He continued, "I have no family now. But I have my cat."
Okay, now I had tears streaming down my face in the middle of Walmart, but I didn't care. I hugged that man and now honestly told him, "Because of your sacrifice, I am able to live and raise my children today. God bless you!" What he said to me truly put into perspective what men like him did for ALLof us, for men and women of the past, present and future, for children of the 1960's, the 1970's and for children that are not even yet born.
I looked into his eyes as he said, "That brings back so many memories." And I knew it was painful for him. In his eyes I could see back through to 60+ years ago. I said, "Sir, what is your name?" He said, "Miller. Ray Miller." By this time we had a small crowd of people listening in and watching us cry. I said, "Mr. Miller, I will pray for you, and thank you again." And this time I really, REALLY meant it. Mr. Miller truly opened my eyes to the sacrifice that was made. I didn't make his day--he impacted mine.
My cashier was speechless, but I was moved beyond words. I finished my transaction and proceeded to the parking lot, a mess. If I had had my wares about me I would have, SHOULD have paid for his cat supplies. But that thought didn't cross my mind until a couple of hours later, and I was so irritated with myself. But in that one special interaction with that 80-something year old man is something I will never forget. It will be a treasure in my heart forever, and I will remember Ray Miller-- soldier, hero, veteran, citizen and neighbor in my prayers tonight.
I said matter of factly, "Sir, I just want to thank you for serving our country. It means so much. Thank you." And I shook his hand and made it a point to look him straight in the eyes. He looked at me and smiled and almost started to cry. He said I had made his day... I found that comment to be interesting. Didn't any one else ever thank him? It seemed like such a simple comment to make...
I was then interrupted, my attention being drawn back to the transaction at hand. I answered a couple of questions for the cashier who was now fiddling (actually, fighting) with her cash register. I glanced at the former serviceman again. He said to me, "You know, there is a story that goes along with all of this cat food..." And I began to listen...
He said, "I served in WWII with my brother right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. My brother was killed and my plane was shot down and I became a prisoner of war. I was caged, without food, for days on end. But there was this cat that would come by my cage and mew at me. Every day I waited for that comfort and connection that that cat would bring. And then one day, after I was almost dead from starvation, that cat came back to me and dropped a dead rat outside my cage for me. I reached between the bars of the cage and grabbed that rat and ate it. That cat saved my life."
He continued, "I have no family now. But I have my cat."
Okay, now I had tears streaming down my face in the middle of Walmart, but I didn't care. I hugged that man and now honestly told him, "Because of your sacrifice, I am able to live and raise my children today. God bless you!" What he said to me truly put into perspective what men like him did for ALLof us, for men and women of the past, present and future, for children of the 1960's, the 1970's and for children that are not even yet born.
I looked into his eyes as he said, "That brings back so many memories." And I knew it was painful for him. In his eyes I could see back through to 60+ years ago. I said, "Sir, what is your name?" He said, "Miller. Ray Miller." By this time we had a small crowd of people listening in and watching us cry. I said, "Mr. Miller, I will pray for you, and thank you again." And this time I really, REALLY meant it. Mr. Miller truly opened my eyes to the sacrifice that was made. I didn't make his day--he impacted mine.
My cashier was speechless, but I was moved beyond words. I finished my transaction and proceeded to the parking lot, a mess. If I had had my wares about me I would have, SHOULD have paid for his cat supplies. But that thought didn't cross my mind until a couple of hours later, and I was so irritated with myself. But in that one special interaction with that 80-something year old man is something I will never forget. It will be a treasure in my heart forever, and I will remember Ray Miller-- soldier, hero, veteran, citizen and neighbor in my prayers tonight.
Publix Savings 5/25/2009
Giddy does not describe it... Luck was on my side as I ventured to Publix today, after an unsuccessful run to CVS for a $10 Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) snag. I spent $13.79 and saved $61.29 from coupons, peelies and in store savings. Here is the picture and the breakdown:
1 box Rice Krispies (.99 w/ coupon)
1 box Rice Krispies (1.99, no coupon, but was on sale)
1 box Froot Loops (.99 w/ coupon)
4 Coles frozen garlic breads (.39 each after four 50 cent coupons doubled)
1 Kraft BBQ sauce (FREE w/ coupon doubled).
2 Pedigree Dentastick (FREE after 1 coupon for each item. Note: I don't have a dog, but these were FREE with the coupon, plus an overage, which means the coupon was worth more than the product was at sale price---leaving me with extra money credited towards my overall grocery balance. AND, I can just give these doggie treats away to friends with pooches).
1 Heluva Dip (FREE w/ coupon, doubled). Note: We say "Helooova" in my house, so my kids won't learn a bad word (ha).
1 FREE milk (w/ coupon for buying the above 3 cereals mentioned)
1 milk ($1.39, as an in-store Buy1/Get1 special was taking place in the moment I was in there. I was in the right place at the right time, and I heard the deal didn't last!)
3 Tidy Cat Litters ($4 total after I saw peelie coupons on the cartons. I was not going to get any more kitty litter during this BOGO week, as I had already purchased 1 with my printable coupon. But then I walked by and saw that there were $2 off peelies on the product, I was so happy! Usually stealers take them all and leave none for the actual purchaser of the product, which is thievery. Anyhow, I should have bought more! There is nothing worse than having to pay over $7 a carton, or more, for stinking cat litter. I love this deal)!
3 Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookie packs ($5.95 for 3 after 2 coupons. In retrospect, I shouldn't have purchased this, as it wasn't a great deal, even though it was on sale. But I LOVE cookies. So I figure it was like $2 a box for 75 cookies total. I'll just eat them if I get depressed).
1 Edy's ice cream (.50 after coupon---can't beat that! And it was French Vanilla. It goes so perfectly with the the delicious blackberry cobbler I made tonight)!
Final Note: I have a lot of items stocked up now, and probably won't have to to much more shopping this week except for some produce, bread and maybe some meat. I'm lovin it!
1 box Rice Krispies (.99 w/ coupon)
1 box Rice Krispies (1.99, no coupon, but was on sale)
1 box Froot Loops (.99 w/ coupon)
4 Coles frozen garlic breads (.39 each after four 50 cent coupons doubled)
1 Kraft BBQ sauce (FREE w/ coupon doubled).
2 Pedigree Dentastick (FREE after 1 coupon for each item. Note: I don't have a dog, but these were FREE with the coupon, plus an overage, which means the coupon was worth more than the product was at sale price---leaving me with extra money credited towards my overall grocery balance. AND, I can just give these doggie treats away to friends with pooches).
1 Heluva Dip (FREE w/ coupon, doubled). Note: We say "Helooova" in my house, so my kids won't learn a bad word (ha).
1 FREE milk (w/ coupon for buying the above 3 cereals mentioned)
1 milk ($1.39, as an in-store Buy1/Get1 special was taking place in the moment I was in there. I was in the right place at the right time, and I heard the deal didn't last!)
3 Tidy Cat Litters ($4 total after I saw peelie coupons on the cartons. I was not going to get any more kitty litter during this BOGO week, as I had already purchased 1 with my printable coupon. But then I walked by and saw that there were $2 off peelies on the product, I was so happy! Usually stealers take them all and leave none for the actual purchaser of the product, which is thievery. Anyhow, I should have bought more! There is nothing worse than having to pay over $7 a carton, or more, for stinking cat litter. I love this deal)!
3 Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookie packs ($5.95 for 3 after 2 coupons. In retrospect, I shouldn't have purchased this, as it wasn't a great deal, even though it was on sale. But I LOVE cookies. So I figure it was like $2 a box for 75 cookies total. I'll just eat them if I get depressed).
1 Edy's ice cream (.50 after coupon---can't beat that! And it was French Vanilla. It goes so perfectly with the the delicious blackberry cobbler I made tonight)!
Final Note: I have a lot of items stocked up now, and probably won't have to to much more shopping this week except for some produce, bread and maybe some meat. I'm lovin it!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Memorial Day Showdown
These were the budget-friendly favors I created for the reception.
Close-up of favors and Jennifer & Johnny bridal napkins.
The decorative table in the entryway. I made a monogrammed book for guest to sign.
The gorgeous cake! 
Irene (my Mother-in-Law), Jeannie (the Hostess), and Annie (Mother of the Bride).Anyhow, Jennifer and Johnny were the happy couple. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and had a nice time. When my family left the party, we headed over to McDonalds (for the kids' benefit), as they hadn't eaten dinner yet. They played on the slides and had a blast! We drove the beautiful back country roads home (a way I had never been). People think I'm crazy, but I just can't get over how quaint and beautiful Alabama can be sometimes. It was such a nice drive---a perfect ending to a great day!
The happy couple sipping a drink that Jennifer's daughters and my niece make for them!
The happy couple sipping a drink that Jennifer's daughters and my niece make for them!
A close up of the creative drink the kids made.
The kiddos---Lilly, Gracyn and MeganAfter church we had an all-church luncheon celebrating our high school graduates, which was nice. I made a dessert and had made the teens some little cards (with Starbucks inserts that I wanted to keep--ha). When we finally got the kids home and to naps, I headed out for some CVS and Publix deals. At CVS, after my Extra Care Bucks, I will have theoretically only spent $1.21 for feminine pads, bandages, nailpolish and toothpaste, as I earned $8 in ECB's. I'm still trying to get the hang of that... I get irritated when they are out of stock of certain things though. This is a pet peeve of mine. I mean, how may times do you think I'm going to get out alone and be able to get back there? Not very often!
My Publix trip was moderately successful. I retrieved my Mystery Penny Item (pasta sauce), and stocked up on some dairy and breakfast items. I did not have many coupons for the things I wanted to buy during the Buy 1 Get 1 deal frame. So I spend about $16 and saved $25. And they were out of the cereal that I needed to buy with my coupon in order to get my free milk.... rrrrrrrrrrr! I will have to go back again tomorrow for that. rrrrrrrrrrr!
Tonight, I attended a double baby shower for Delana and Leigh from our church at my friend Holly's house. Her new house was just built and it is beautiful (though she discovered she has a crazy neighbor who enjoys swearing at her at the top of his lungs from his front porch step). ha. Anyhow, Bekah managed to get her hands in a potty over there and Haleah and Kaelah "tore up" one of the kid's bedrooms, and I was working to fix it before I left. Bekah also managed to flip a play table. She is a wild one! She also wouldn't eat, except for the ice cream I offered her. I think her poor teeth are coming in. I did not get to watch the ladies open their gifts, as I was chasing children, but I am glad I got to attend, and Holly was gracious to have us!
Before we went in to Holly's house I had told Kaelah (because she's new to potty training) that she needed to tell me if she had to go potty and that I would take her. She told me that she would "not pee in Miss Holly's house." And she didn't. She went potty in the bathroom at Holly's twice, and I was proud. But as soon as we got home, Kaelah promptly sat on her Tinkerbelle couch and peed all over it. I AM SO SICK OF CLEANING UP PEE. Let me repeat that: I AM SO SICK OF CLEANING UP PEE!
So that's our Memorial Day weekend, SO FAR, in a very big nutshell. Tomorrow should be more low key. I am thankful and will reflect on the sacrifice that our service men and woman have given to us. They are true heroes.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Instant Progress!
It seems like overnight I have big things to be proud of in my three little ones... (and for myself too)!
Haleah is learning to recognize and write her numbers and is thriving. She loves to count over and over again. I have some preschool activity books that I have been pulling out to try and teach her throughout the day, and she is loving it when I spend the time to show her and then show her how proud I am of her. I think she is a smart cookie for a 3 year old!
Kaelah is doing GREAT in her potty training process. All of the the sudden she is showing interest in going. She has remained mostly dry for over 3 days now, even during naptime! Her Princess couch got a "cleansing," but she is learning! I hear Kaelah singing the "I'm Proud of You" song to herself throughout the day and after she puts a star sticker on her Diego Potty Chart that I made her. And if she wakes up dry from nap, she gets to have a CapriSun (new favorite).
I have officially weaned Bekah, and like magic, she is sleeping through the night without throwing a fit for me to comfort her. I am in awe at the luxury of sleep and am so thrilled. In the morning I am able to wake to a sweet Bekah who stands up in her crib to greet me, squeezes me around my neck and pats me on the back. She is the sweetest baby in the world.
And finally, I am proud of me! I went trekking to Publix again to pick up my Mystery Penny Item and a few other things, and came skipping out of the store. I ended up spending about $8 for over $57 worth of groceries. I could not believe it! Here is the picture of what I bought:
1 London Broil for $4.65 (saved $5.27, as it was on sale)
2 Frosted Flakes cereal for $.99 each (with coupons)
2 gallons of Publix milk for $4.00 (sale item)
1 Lipton Tea Bag (100 ct.) for $1.90 (Buy 1/Get 1 item)
6 four-packs of Fiber One YoPlait yogurts for FREE (with coupons)
3 Schick Quattro razors for Women for FREE (with coupons)
1 McCormicks Grinder spice for FREE (with coupon)
1 Eggo Nutragrain Waffle for $.64 (with coupon)
2 Kraft shredded cheeses for $1.00 each (with coupons)
1 Ritz Cracker box for FREE (with coupon)
1 Publix glass cleaner for $.01 (Mystery Penny Item coupon)
Then, I had some overage on a couple of my coupons and a competitor $5 off of $25 coupon that Publix accepts. I cannot believe that I got all of this for $8!!! What made my day even more extra special was that I returned an unused gift item that I had to Walmart and got a $52 store credit. So today was a bonus day! I topped off my day with a night out with my cool friend Trish. We went to Applebees with a gift card that was given to me. FREE is great.... isn't it? I'm hooked!
Haleah is learning to recognize and write her numbers and is thriving. She loves to count over and over again. I have some preschool activity books that I have been pulling out to try and teach her throughout the day, and she is loving it when I spend the time to show her and then show her how proud I am of her. I think she is a smart cookie for a 3 year old!
Kaelah is doing GREAT in her potty training process. All of the the sudden she is showing interest in going. She has remained mostly dry for over 3 days now, even during naptime! Her Princess couch got a "cleansing," but she is learning! I hear Kaelah singing the "I'm Proud of You" song to herself throughout the day and after she puts a star sticker on her Diego Potty Chart that I made her. And if she wakes up dry from nap, she gets to have a CapriSun (new favorite).
I have officially weaned Bekah, and like magic, she is sleeping through the night without throwing a fit for me to comfort her. I am in awe at the luxury of sleep and am so thrilled. In the morning I am able to wake to a sweet Bekah who stands up in her crib to greet me, squeezes me around my neck and pats me on the back. She is the sweetest baby in the world.
And finally, I am proud of me! I went trekking to Publix again to pick up my Mystery Penny Item and a few other things, and came skipping out of the store. I ended up spending about $8 for over $57 worth of groceries. I could not believe it! Here is the picture of what I bought:
1 London Broil for $4.65 (saved $5.27, as it was on sale)2 Frosted Flakes cereal for $.99 each (with coupons)
2 gallons of Publix milk for $4.00 (sale item)
1 Lipton Tea Bag (100 ct.) for $1.90 (Buy 1/Get 1 item)
6 four-packs of Fiber One YoPlait yogurts for FREE (with coupons)
3 Schick Quattro razors for Women for FREE (with coupons)
1 McCormicks Grinder spice for FREE (with coupon)
1 Eggo Nutragrain Waffle for $.64 (with coupon)
2 Kraft shredded cheeses for $1.00 each (with coupons)
1 Ritz Cracker box for FREE (with coupon)
1 Publix glass cleaner for $.01 (Mystery Penny Item coupon)
Then, I had some overage on a couple of my coupons and a competitor $5 off of $25 coupon that Publix accepts. I cannot believe that I got all of this for $8!!! What made my day even more extra special was that I returned an unused gift item that I had to Walmart and got a $52 store credit. So today was a bonus day! I topped off my day with a night out with my cool friend Trish. We went to Applebees with a gift card that was given to me. FREE is great.... isn't it? I'm hooked!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Refocus
Well, I sure don't win the title for Super Mom, being that I consistently don't accomplish much of what I set out in a day to do, including blogging. Other moms seem to have it more together and always seem to look nice, have their kids look nice, have their homes picked up and fine meals prepared. Me? I struggle. But I did have a nice Mother's Day this past Sunday, thanks to a family who seems to appreciate me. To my surprise, David made me delicious french toast after he let me sleep in for an extra hour. Who KNEW that he could cook? He had been hiding this secret from me for 9 years!
In other news, I have taken up a new hobby that hopefully will enhance our household. I think I have become a couponing freak. I spend quite a bit of time searching for deals and clip my coupons every Sunday. I scour over the Wednesday circulars, make my plan and head out for the best deals in town. It's kind of a challenge for me, to get what I need at a bargain. My competive spirit comes roaring out (especially since I can't play volleyball right now)! This week, I bought groceries for our family of 5 for under $40. Now that makes me feel great! And I am always on the hunt (as I call it) for free stuff. This is a pic of the free stuff I got today, merely from using my coupons...
Today, Bekah is 13 months. And my-oh-my, she is growing in leaps and bounds. I caught her in the bathroom this afternoon with all of the toilet paper unrolled, and she was swishing her hands around in the toilet. She's a stinker-pot that one! But I love her dearly.
Kaelah is on the potty train and has her ups and downs. We are slowly filling her rewards chart too, for going pee in the potty. Some times she is enthusiastic, other times---not so much. She loves to sing the alphabet and I catch her saying the darndest things. Today she had a ketchup bottle and was complaining to me that the "genie won't come out of there," even though she was "rubbing it and rubbing it."
Haleah is a challenge, but partly I think it's because she is ready to move forward with her learning. I wish we could afford to send her to preschool in the fall, but we will have to wait till spring. She so needs to be around other kids her age. I think she acts up because she might be bored.
I wish I could "put myself together" better these days. I feel like this is the worst I've looked in my whole life, and I don't like that. I am hoping to make changes for me this summer, both inside and out. It's hard to know what focuses are best to take, and still keep my family happy.
In other news, I have taken up a new hobby that hopefully will enhance our household. I think I have become a couponing freak. I spend quite a bit of time searching for deals and clip my coupons every Sunday. I scour over the Wednesday circulars, make my plan and head out for the best deals in town. It's kind of a challenge for me, to get what I need at a bargain. My competive spirit comes roaring out (especially since I can't play volleyball right now)! This week, I bought groceries for our family of 5 for under $40. Now that makes me feel great! And I am always on the hunt (as I call it) for free stuff. This is a pic of the free stuff I got today, merely from using my coupons...
Today, Bekah is 13 months. And my-oh-my, she is growing in leaps and bounds. I caught her in the bathroom this afternoon with all of the toilet paper unrolled, and she was swishing her hands around in the toilet. She's a stinker-pot that one! But I love her dearly.
Kaelah is on the potty train and has her ups and downs. We are slowly filling her rewards chart too, for going pee in the potty. Some times she is enthusiastic, other times---not so much. She loves to sing the alphabet and I catch her saying the darndest things. Today she had a ketchup bottle and was complaining to me that the "genie won't come out of there," even though she was "rubbing it and rubbing it."
Haleah is a challenge, but partly I think it's because she is ready to move forward with her learning. I wish we could afford to send her to preschool in the fall, but we will have to wait till spring. She so needs to be around other kids her age. I think she acts up because she might be bored.
I wish I could "put myself together" better these days. I feel like this is the worst I've looked in my whole life, and I don't like that. I am hoping to make changes for me this summer, both inside and out. It's hard to know what focuses are best to take, and still keep my family happy.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Bekah's First Steps Video
It's been so long since I've blogged that I almost forgot my site password. Time seems to fly by and stand still at the same time here in the Whitt household. This post is merely to upload a long overdue video that I promised my Mom I'd post. It's of Bekah walking, some of her first steps. This short clip is about 2 weeks old and Bekah is now a walking expert at almost 13 months. She is such a tease too, and likes to walk and wave at the same time. More later (my eyes are burning off from lack of enough sleep lately).
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