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.

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!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Memorial Day Showdown

These were the budget-friendly favors I created for the reception.

Memorial Day weekend has been a whirlwind so far. My house is a disaster, as I've been prepping for all sorts of "going ons." Saturday, I traveled to the city to decorate for my cousin Jennifer's house reception after she got married in a lovely park ceremony on Friday. Her new Mother-in-Law, Jeannie, was hosting. I was happy to be involved in this celebration and made some special favors for the guests ahead of time. I used Jennifer's favorite colors together (pink and brown) and decorated clear cups filled with Hypoteses plants. I love to decorate on a budget. I also found some limited edition Oreos that were pink (strawberry) and brown (cookie) for favors for the kids that attended. During the party I helped to cut the cake and pick up and keep things stocked and running smoothly. It was easy to do when I didn't have three children hanging off of me. David made it to the reception with the kiddies very late, as it was wrapping up. Jeannie said to me, "Aren't you tired after all the work you've done?" I said, "Are you kidding me? I'm more tired when I'm at home with my kids. This was fun!" (wink, wink---I love my kids---but I also love to have a chance to have a semblance of a creative outlet as well).

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!

A close up of the creative drink the kids made.

The kiddos---Lilly, Gracyn and Megan

Today, Sunday, held adventures as well. It was downpouring this morning, so I opted shorts and casual clothing for me and the kids for church. I popped into church and prepped the coffee table for our guests and sat down as service commenced. It has become nearly impossible for me to worship, as my child are simply squirmers at heart (Bekah especially)!!! I was also keeping tabs for the two boys sitting in front of me, as a favor. So I had my hands full :) I think I was keeping pew members either amused or pertubed... Between that and multiple potty breaks (Kaelah is potty training and I was being daring to let her wear underwear to church), I was pooped!

After 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!



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.



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).


Monday, April 6, 2009

New Beginnings

The past two weeks have moved along, though it's been a struggle to write amidst my sadness over the loss of Shelley, who will no longer enjoy life's milestones. But I must press on...

We celebrated David's Aunt Annie's 60th Birthday. We planned a surprise for her at her house. The theme was "Still the 'Apple of our Eye' after 60 Years." I had so much fun creating the decorations for this party. Pulling it all together allowed some creative juices to flow. Here are some pics from the party. One includes a real apple tree with golde
n paper apples on it, in which people were to write why Annie was the "Apple of their Eye.."


We also took some time, as extended family, to celebrate my Mother-in-law's Birthday at the local Cracker Barrel at the end of March. Going there is always an adventure with three kids, and always a big mess too!

With the welcoming of spring came new developments with my kids. Bekah loves to look at pictures and tries to leap out of my arms to get to any pictures that she sees. She also loves and can say, "duck." This little 11 month old is also beginning to really walk and is still remains as my little night terror.

Kaelah's language seems to be taking off and she is showing an interest in potty training again. We also moved Haleah's old toddler bed into Kaelah's room to try and get her transitioned to "Big Girl" bed. I am really antsy to sell at least one crib.

And Haleah is excited about the thought of attending preschool in the fall. She seems to be boy crazy already and loves to direct and lead playtime during the few playdates we've been having or attending lately. We are having some issues with her tantrum throwing and back-talking, but we are working to address these issues. Many cannot believe that there is this side to Haleah, as she is such an angel in public.
Haleah looking at playmate/friend, Tristan

We also bought a new swingset for the kids, as we realized that we should just buy the small one that the kids need, rather than wait for the super-duper wooden megaset that we really wanted to get. If we waited for that, then the kids would never get a set. And we realized that it doesn't take a lot to make kids happy. They don't know the difference.


This past weekend, I ventured out alone to the town's Egg Hunt with the kids, as David was working at the church. I saw some of my friend's familiar faces, but as the "hunt" began, I became annoyed with what transpired. One mother was trying to hoard all of the eggs hidden in one hole in a tree. She kept piling her own basket up. I finally said, "Could you save some for my kids?" My sweet children were just looking up at me innocently, waiting for an egg. They had no idea what was going on. The "mother hen" begrudgingly took her hand out of the tree hole for a moment. I reached in to retrieve the last two eggs, one for each of my kids (and I was holding the baby in my arms too, mind you). The woman then tried to squeeze her hand back in with mine in the tree hole. I had NO IDEA that this hunt was going to be competitive. I could not believe it. Those two eggs that I practically had to steal from the "hoarder" were the only eggs my children got (one each) the whole time. What a let down. I had talked this whole Egg Hunt up with my kids and I don't think this experience was positive.
My poor kids with the one SAD egg they each got...

The upside was that my friend Trish planned an Egg Hunt at her house for some kids to participate in and my kids were able to find and pick up a whole basket of eggs without excessive trampling and/or competition. It was so nice of her to do that. There are still good mothers left in this world who know how to do things right. I suppose I have a lot to learn about motherhood and interacting with other parents.

Other milestones over the past week included mine and David's 8th Anniversary. We celebrated by going to The Melting Pot restaurant which just opened up in the city. It was so wonderful. We had no right to spend the money that we did, but we decided that we were going to enjoy it. We had been to a Melting Pot fondue experience once before when we lived in Colorado Springs and loved it. This time we had what was called Big Night Out. It included a cheese fondue, a salad, a Surf and Turf entree fondue and a chocolate "Yin and Yang" fondue finale. Everything, including our waitress, was fantastic. After we dined, we walked outside near the outlets where lighted fountains were and took silly pictures together. It was great. David and I have our ups and downs, but it nice to let it all go for an evening and just enjoy one another's company.

The Yin Yang chocolate swirl and a tray of delcious desserts to dip!

I am going to try to take things one day at a time, accepting life as it is (even when the sad and tragic happen), while appreciating the small tokens and treasures.