more christmas shopping sites

Tiny Rockstar
Wild Olive

couponing update

So apparently, all I have to talk about is couponing and our adoption since that is all i blog about....

Anyways.

I went to Publix (with Marty, which was a NIGHTMARE because she didn't have her coupon's organized!) and spent $12 and saved $28! WHOO HOOO

Then I went to CVS where I bought: a roll of paper towels, a bag of hersey kisses, a toothbrush, two boxes of cereal, and printed 4 pictures i needed and spent $2.01! And I got $4 in extra care bucks! So really, CVS owes ME money!

My friends, I think that is success!

how did i miss this?

Did you know that the ecoupons you can load onto your Kroger card can be used IN ADDITION to your paper coupons? Well, they CAN!
I just loaded a BUNCH of coupons and with my paper coupons I should save BIG! I have an ecoupon for $1 off any 2 pillsbury breads and a $1 off any two pillsbury breads paper coupons. That will be $2 off 2 of them!

I'm going Krogering tonight.... whoohoo!

christmas shopping early

So it's never too early to start your own Christmas list, I have!
Every year I give some of my family members gifts from world vision. Nick and I sponsor two children through World Vision and we normally give gifts in our family members honor. We have given children health scholarships in honor of my mawmaw, a fishing kit in honor of my pawpaw, an education kit in honor of my mom, an art kit in honor of william, etc, etc.
This year will be no different, although I am going to try to only buy gifts that will benefit others. You know, fair trade, charity, orphans, etc. So here are some of the sites:

www.tenthousandvillages.com
www.147millionorphans.com
www.tomsshoes.com
http://twohandsworldshop.com/

And soon, I will have my own fair trade coffee site up and running. They will be donating $5 of each bag to our adoption, so if you are a coffee drinker, I know what you'll be getting this year!

If you are expecting a Christmas gift from me, you better check these sites and make your requests now....

way to save more at Kroger

So last night I took my reusable bags to Kroger with me, just to save some plastic. Well, when I was checking out, the cashier asked me how many bags I had. I counted 7. She asked me if I wanted 4 cents off or gas points. Since I use the gas points to get 10 cents off a gallon on my fill up, I chose gas points.

I called customer service when I got home and asked them to explain the deal to me.

So, for every reusable bag you bring in you can choose to get 4 cents off your total grocery purchase or an additional 5 gas points per bag!

It's not much, but it will add up fast! Not to mention you'll get better coupons from the coupon printer at the register. I got a $1 off your next purchase!

$7 date night

Since we have had a house full of folks for awhile now, I decided it was time for a date night, but since we are saving $$ for our baby to come home. I planned a $7 date night.
We are going to see Night at the Museum 2 at the $1.50 movie. So $3.00 in tickets. On Tuesday it $1 popcorn and drink night. So we won't even have to share popcorn.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my hubby and for $7 - you can't beat it!

party of five no more

So my brother closes on his house tomorrow and he's moving out. And Anna and Chase have an accepted offer on a house.... so our party of five will soon just be a party of two!

Nick and I are thankful to be able to share our lives (and home) with our family, but are looking forward to it just being the two of us.... until it's the three of us....

You were born for THIS!

Nick and I have attended the 1st of a 2 part session at our church by Bruce Wilkinson (author of Prayer of Jabez). He is teaching on his new book, that isn't even out yet called You were born for this!
It is all about living a life of predictable miracles. The first night was INCREDIBLE and I'm so looking forward to tonight! Bruce (we are on a first name basis, fyi) said what he was presenting and what his book is about is a life change in your way of thinking. I couldn't agree more.... I'm still processing and I can't wait till tonight!

big news....

Well, the secret is out, the cat's out of the bag and it's time the whole blog world knows...
Nick and I are adopting a baby from South Korea!

I hinted at a second blog in my last post. My new blog will be about our adoption journey.

To follow our story go to www.bringinghomebabybrown.blogspot.com
and journey with us...

Call Willard Scott ...

..this is my 100th post. I should be on a Smucker's label!

To celebrate my 100th post, let me tell you 10 (cause I can't think of 100 things) about my blog world.

1. I'm a stalker. I stalk all sorts of folks blogs. Most I'll never ever meet, but I'm sure if we did- we'd be best friends. I don't want to list the blogs I stalk, that would be embarrassing.

2. If I don't regularly update my blog, my MawMaw will send me a friend reminder that it's time to update my blog.

3. In all seriousness, I think I have maybe 10 readers, but that's ok- I love you ten!

4. Nick reads my blog to keep up with my world. It's sad, I know.

5. I don't normally have things to blog about, so I just ramble- this post in point.

6. I can't do a regularly scheduled post, Friday tid-bits, meal plan mondays, wordless wednesdays. I just can't, sorry.

7. I blog and write like I talk. I've had someone tell me when they read my blog they can hear me talking. I take that as a compliment. I am who I am, cyber world or not.

8. My blog stylist, Ashley, is simply A-MAZING. You'll see why soon.

9. I take lots of pictures, but never post them. In my next 100 posts, I'll do better. Pinky promise.

10. As if one blog isn't enough, I'll be starting a new blog soon, so stay tuned!

Here is to 100 more posts with my 10 friends!

Mom the missionary day 2

Dear all-

It is Sunday evening and we have had an incredibly full day. It started early.... We had breakfast at 7:00 and left for the Cathedral of Leon for mass. It was way cool. The cathedral was wide open and you could hear the sounds from the street mingling with the sounds of worship. It was odd, too, that there was so much going on during the worship. People just wandered in off the street; a man walked in with his bicycle and young daughter; another man (looked to be homeless?) walked down the center aisle muttering to himself and headed right out the door; a janitor mopped the marble floor during the service. It was quite unusual. But with all that going on, there was a tremendous sense of reverence and worship. The people there were intent on their God and the distractions didn't seem to phase them.... I bet God likes that. =-)



After the Catholic service we boarded the bus and went straight to the small Methodist church in the barrio right near El Ayudante. The pastor there was so glad to see us and said he remembered Robbie and me. He welcomed us all with great hospitality. The worship service was so sweet. There were several young people helping lead worship this time. Last year, it was just the pastor and one young lady singing. This year, there were about five to six young teenage girls who sang, read scripture, danced, etc. That shows the growth of the church. I'm glad the church is thriving. We went with the children when they left for children's Sunday School. The teachers (again, teenage girls) told the story of Daniel in the lion's den. We served juice and cookies to about 120 kids. It was amazing!



These two groups of people truly worshipped this morning. They had no hymnals or projected song lyrics. They sang from their hearts and souls. They worship with their whole being. There are lessons to be learned here. Also, I was again struck by how big our God is... all around our world this morning people joined together in worship. The pastor of the Methodist church even spoke to that. He said that no matter where we come from, where we live, etc. we are bound in unity through our faith in God. I like that thought. There is great comfort there.



This afternoon we took several kids from the center to see the movie, Ice Age 3. It was fun, though the movie was in Spanish with no English subtitles. You'd be surprised how much you can figure out from just watching an animated movie! After the movie, we all had dinner together because many will be leaving tomorrow and going to their homes or extended family. School is out here next week and the Ministry of Family likes them to maintain the family connection. They will be gone until Saturday. Bill said that they will be sent home with a week's worth of groceries to ensure that they are fed while they are away. Some, however, don't have homes to go to so they will remain here.



I told you this morning that I would let you know about Dina. I saw her last night when we went over to the kids' house. I called her name and she turned around and grinned. I know she didn't remember me, but she came to me and hugged me. She took me by the hand and wanted me to lay on the floor with her and watch Cinderella. It was sweet. We then went outside and played a while. She has really grown and seems to be doing well. We saw her again this afternoon for dinner. We ate dinner together and enjoyed playing.



Some random thoughts.... On our way to El Ayudante we passed over a stream and there were three young men bathing in the water. Also, with all our differences, we are all still so very much alike. There are mothers worried about feeding their children; there are families going to the movies; there are kids who are scared of the dark....



Tomorrow we will go into the barrio that nearly took us to our knees last year. Carey, Allen and I will do the lesson about Noah's Ark. We have lots of games to play with the kids and activities that go along with the story. We were to plan for 75 kids. We'll see. If it's like last year, they just begin to appear from nowhere! Then in the afternoon, we will take the teen girls shopping for things for their new home. It will be fun.



Please continue to pray that we are all open to God's direction and that the work we do here this week will be meaningful to the people we meet and to us, as well. (Not to mention worthy in God's eyes...)



Blessings to all-

D'Leigh

Mom the missionary day one

So my mom and little brother are back in Nicaragua on a mission trip. Mom sends daily updates and I thought I'd share them with my 5 blog readers... enjoy!

Greetings from El Ayudante!



Our trip was fine and we are settled in our home for the week. About our accommodations.... because of the numbers of teams here this week, and because Bill feels like we are family, we are staying in the home where interns usually stay. There aren't any interns this week, so that opened up the other building. The good news is that it is air conditioned and we have hot showers. The bad news is that these ammenities feel odd to me. Crazy, huh?



We were met at the airport by staff from El Ayudante, as usual. We saw someone we remembered from last year, hugged and greeted, and then he said, "I think you think I'm my brother." It was the twin of an interpreter from last year. Sure enough, about that time, up walks the guy we really knew, along with two other fellows we remembered from before. They all remembered Robbie and me, but they said William had grown and changed so much they wouldn't have known him.



The bus ride through Managua was a little surreal. Everything I saw was what I remembered, but it took me by surprise. How can something you know about surprise you? I remembered the sadness, the filth, the poverty and all, but at the same time, I took me back. Seemed a little crazy....



At our first stop, there was a young lady with two very young little girls with her. She stood by the door of the bus as we came out of the gas station with our drinks and snacks. She never said a word. Her little girls never said anything. They just stood there. I'm sure they were wanting food or money. We just got on the bus.... I thought I'd die.



Then during the ride in the city just about everytime you stop at a traffic light, people (most of the time children) come up to the window begging or trying to sell you something. You just have to tell them, "No." One little boy in particular broke my heart. He couldn't have been more than eight or so. He had a cleft palate. He kept saying, "Money." He even tugged on the sleeve of our shirts. It was heartbreaking. I guess that's what I'm trying to say. How could I be surprised by this? I knew it was all here. I knew it breaks my heart, but yet I was surprised at how easily I had gone home, slipped into my own comfortable world, and yet there were these people here all along, just like I left them last year.



I need to wake everyone up. We are going to go have breakfast at 7:00, go to mass at the cathedral in Leon, and then go to church at the little Methodist church we attended last year.



I will tell you about seeing Dina (the little girl I loved on last year) later today or tonight.



Thanks to all who helped me get here...



Love and blessings for a wonderful Sunday!

D'Leigh

Dear Mary Leigh....

Today is my four year anniversary. It's been quite a fun and adventurous 4 years.

I've learned a lot about myself, marriage, and what it takes to make it work over the last 4 years. So today, I've decided to write myself a letter. Someone, please give this to me 4 years ago in the Bride's Room right before I walk down the aisle.

Dear Mary Leigh,

It's your wedding day. It's everything you've dreamed and planned for 18 months. It will be perfect and more than you could have asked for. You are starting on an adventure that will last a lifetime. You have worked so hard to plan this wedding, but let me give you some advice that will help in the planning of your marriage.

Your marriage will be a blast! And it will go by so quickly! Take time to enjoy life together, don't rush through it! In four years you will wonder where the time went.

You don't always have to be right. The sooner you let that go, the easier.

You've never loved cleaning and it will be worse when you have a big 'ole house to clean. But you'll have to clean and Nick will help, so value that.

It doesn't matter how much money you make, if you have a job you love it will make for a happier marriage than any amount of money.

Spend time together. Just the two of you and enjoy each other. You will have roommates, sooner than you think and longer than you think. Enjoy the time alone together.

I know you have this big plan of moving back towards "home" in a year, but you are going to fall in love with Murfreesboro. You'll find that Murfreesboro is your "home" and you won't want to leave. And guess what- some of your family moves to Murfreesboro, it's so great!

You won't believe the kind of church you will find and love. It's so not what you think, but I won't spoil that one for you!

You'll learn to love to cook. Yes, you read that right. You will COOK! And it will be good. Couple of tips though: don't put all the okra in the frying pan at once. And don't grab the handle of the skillet- it's still hot. Oh, and don't use your sweatshirt as an oven mit - it will catch on fire!

There is a perfect man at the end of that isle waiting for you. You are truly marrying your perfect mate today. There will be days when it won't seem that way, but trust me girl he will become your rock. You will build a love that is so strong. Not one of those butterflies in the stomach, huggy, kissy kinds of love, but a true deep, rock solid, best friends kinds of love. When you face challenges and struggles, you will face them together side by side. He won't walk in front of you to shield you from things, but he will be beside you as your best friend, strongest supporter, and loudest cheerleader.

It's an incredible journey, slow down and enjoy it!

You make a great wife!
- yourself in 4 years

Ketchup Post #3- Jon and Kate Plus 8

So I'm so sad about their divorce, but I blame myself. I mean I was totally invading their lives like it was any of my business. So, sorry Jon and Kate.Sorry I, and thousands others, have pushed your marriage to the breaking point.

However, I would like to say if I hear "what's best for my kids" one more time I might loose it! When you are married, you should be doing what's best for your spouse. When Nick and I have a family, he will always be #1 in my life. If Jon and Kate had kept each other as #1 I don't think they'd be in this position. *steps off soap box now*

My heart goes out to them and I'm sorry their marriage is falling apart. Jon seems to have already checked out. I'm not watching anymore, I won't give them my support. My support is what have gotten them in this mess.

On a side note, last night my MiMi asked me at dinner what I thought about Jon and Kate. I couldn't stop laughing, my grandmother watches Jon and Kate!

ketchup post #2- Real World: The 'Boro

So, if I actually liked MTV I would call them and ask them if they wanted to film a Real World Season at my house right now. We'd call it The Real World: The 'boro.

It's not 7 complete strangers picked to live together.... but it's 5 family members, which is better entertainment anyway!

Nick and I have had my older brother living with us for a year now, since he transferred to TDOT in Murfreesboro. And as of Sunday, my sister and her husband of 2 weeks live with us to.

Robert is currently house hunting and once Anna gets a job, she and Chase will house hunt, but until then, we are one big happy family!

5 adults and three dogs (who don't get along all the time)will make for some great stories, stay tuned for next week's episode!

Ketchup Post #1 - Watch your self Coupon Mom

I got on the coupon bandwagon some time ago. I kinda let up some when my life got so crazy but I have gotten back on the band wagon and I mean business this time. I need to save money where I can since we now have a house of 5 adults (more on that later).

So, look out Coupon Mom- this girl means business!!

Last week I saw Lipton Tea bags were on sale at Publix buy one get one free- which at Publix means each one is half price. I had two 50 cent coupons off a Lipton purchase. So here is the break down-

Tea Bags originally $2.46/box on sale for $1.23/box. I used 50 cent coupon on each box, which Publix double to $1.00. So, I got a box of tea bags for $.23!!!! Two boxes for $.46!

Hello, that is major savings people!

Consider me back on the bandwagon!

please pass the ketchup

*post title "borrowed from emily @ Red Bay Days - thanks Em!*

Ok, so I'm crazily behind on my blogging. I mean I haven't posted about ANY of Anna Marie's wedding showers and she is MARRIED! I mean seriously, I'm a slacker!

I have lots to blog about so as I have time I'll try some "Ketchup" Posts as well as blogging about our current life.

Meal Plan Monday

My friend Becky has started doing Meal Plan Monday, so I'm joining up....
Tonight: Quesadilla bar
Tuesday: Cinco de Mayo dinner with Ben and Becky at GARCIAS (which is my FAVORITE mexican place, I can't wait to take Becky!)
Wednesday: pizza pasta salad (new recipe)
Thursday: grilled pork chops, grilled corn, and steamed brocolli
Friday: date night, Nick and I are both off work, so we will be doing "date day"
Saturday: eating at the Couples Retreat at New Frontiers

My apologizes

Dear Blog,
I am sorry I haven't been writing to you (or is it on you?) lately. I've been a busy little girl. It is nothing personal, I still love you. This was not a break-up, just a little break to work things out on our own. I have decided I love you and want to make this relationship work.
Love always,
Me

Graduation Day

I know I have been slacking on blogging lately, but my life has been a little busy. I only stopped in (I'll be back later for more, I promise)to say today is a very important day-
It's my PawPaw's last day of radiation! He did his rounds of chemo and is today finishes his last round of radiation. As I told him this weekend, he is graduating!
Congrats PawPaw, now stay cancer free......

it never fails

The moment I go to get my fresh produce I hear that low rumbling and then the mist starts! Everytime! I get wet and end up with a wet bag of cucumbers. Seriously, just my luck!

better late than never

So I'm a few days late on posting my memory verse. Sorry.

This one is also from our Advance Team Memory Verses at church.

It's not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or find clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you- the beauty of a gentle spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God.
1 Peter 3:3-4

Eye Doctor

I don't like going to the eye doctor. I try to only go when I HAVE to, you know, when you only have one pair of contacts left and they won't give you anymore till the doctor sees you. Well, yesterday I it was time.
Let me just say that I LOVE my eye doctor, she is such a nice younger chick. Her office is real casual and she takes her time and hangs out with you and just chats. In fact, I learned we both see the same regular doctor and same gyno, small world! So anyways, nothing against her but I HATE the eye doctor.
It's like taking the hardest test ever and I get nervous.
What's better- A or B? 1 or 2? Now B or 2?
I get so stressed out my hands start to sweat. I just feel like I'm giving the wrong answers. And then: can you read this line.... oh I hate that part. I can kinda read it if I take my time and really try, but does that count?
Oh the stress! And if I give the wrong answer is that going to screw up my vision for all eternity?
I'm blind enough as it is and the eye doctor is just too much pressure. But I'm good for another two years or so, thank goodness.
Now today I have a physical. I hate that "take a deep breath" part. Is this deep enough? Am I breathing too fast? Agggghhhhhh.

So, I'm kinda famous

Awhile ago, I got a blog facelift. I was jealous of my friend Katie's super cute blog, which by the way, Katie is in Mexico right now- hate her. Katie told me to email this chick named Ashley and ask her to help me. So I emailed Ashley and she helped a sista' out! I just LOVE my new look. Ashley did such a great job reflecting me and my personality. I told her she was fabulous and she should go into business... well... she has. (I'm sure it was my suggesting it to her and all)
She has since updated my side bar, check out my cute little fonts and has/or will update my signature. She asked me to be one of her featured blogs- must be my stellar write ability/grammar/spelling. Hello, I'm famous!!

So if you are jealous of my new look, but aren't married to a graphic designer. Go see Ashley at Great Grabbie Designs and she can hook you up.
Just don't make them look better than me, Ash!
(I can call her Ash, cause we are bff now)

Memory Verse

We teach 4th-6th graders at church in a program called Momentum. It's fantastic and Nick and I have an incredible time with the kids and we learn so much. Part of the curriculum is a "contest" called Advance Team. It requires memorizing Bible verse, reading books of the Bible, showing up to church, bringing you Bible, etc, etc. So last week we got the new memory verses for this semester, so what a better place to find my new verse.
Here is is:
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your heart and minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the start of Lent, the 40 days before Easter. (Can you believe Easter is only 40 days away!)
Growing up I loved the Ash Wednesday service at church. You leave with an ash cross on your forehead, but it was cool. The season of Lent is symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness (I think) and you are traditional supposed to give up or sacrifice something. I have given up things in the past (Cokes, Fast Food, etc) but this year I am going to start "doing" something. At the end of the 40 days I want to have made a change in my life and the world around me, not just start drinking Cokes again. So this year, I stole my idea from my mom (HI MOM!) and am going to do an intentional random act of kindness everyday. It can be something simple to letting someone pull out in traffic in front of me to something a little more grand.
Stay tuned for updates on how I'm doing.

Coupon Savings Report #1

So Sunday I armed myself with my master grocery list and coupons and sale fliers and off I went. I asked/made Nick go with me cause he is a math wiz and can figure out the best deals on products while I fumble around with the calculator on my phone. We make quite a team!
We went to Kroger and Publix because some of the things I needed were only on sale at one or the other store and I have coupons.
I saved almost 35% on my grocery bill! I spent $220 and saved over $75!
I was soooooo pleased with myself! I can't wait till next Sunday's ads and coupons!

Dancing with the Stars

My favorite dancer from So You Think You Can Dance last season was Chelsie Hightower. That "Bleeding Love" piece with Mark was A.MAZING. Well, good news folks, she is on Dancing with the Stars this season. I can't wait. Too bad she is paired with Ty Murray (Jewel's hubby). He's just a good ole boy and I don't think he's got it.
I am very excited about Julianne Hough and her real life man, Chuck Wicks. And, Lil'Kim and Derek Hough. And the pair that I'm saying will be most entertaining but don't have a shot are Steve-O and Lacey.

Crockpot 1-2-3

So I have tried three crockpot recipes off the Crockpot365 site and I must say, they are all keepers.

Night one: Candied Chicken
Notes: Smelled funny when cooking. Casey and I both made this the same night and hers smelled funny too! I was really afraid it would be my first "dinner isn't eatable, order pizza" night. It was actually good. Although it said cook for low 6-8 hours and I used HUGE frozen chicken breast and it was WAY over cooked. Next time I'll cook on low for like 4 hours.

Night Two: Buffalo Wing Soup
Notes: GREAT! But again cooked too long. The chicken is already cooked (boiled) when you make it, so I would only cook on low for 4 hours. We love hot wings, and this was a fantastic twist on them!

Night Three: Pizza Soup
Notes: Perfect. I'd make this every week. We aren't tomato eaters, so I'd leave those out next time. And, I don't think I bought the right Italian Sausage. Mine was ground sausage, but it worked just fine.

I still have a list of other recipes to try, so I'll keep you posted.

New Bible Verse

I know, I'm a few days late. Sorry to my 3 faithful readers.
I got a new Bible yesterday! I had to go to Lifeway to get the Beth Moore Esther guide for a study I'm starting next week and I had a coupon good for yesterday (see, couponing!) I have been wanting a Hollomon Bible. It's kinda a mix between The Message Bible (which I recently got and like, but not for everything) and the NIV (which is my go to version). They had a hardback Hollomon Student Bible for $10! Now I'm pretty picky about my Bibles, I like "pretty" pages and the pages need to be thick, I'm not a fan of that tissue paper stuff. Anyways, LOVE this BIBLE! I'm so excited about it. So I knew I wanted to use this version for my verse this week- just had NO clue what verse I wanted to use. I have all these verses I like, but I want it to be the ONE verse for my two weeks. Well, found it. It's a side bar on my friend Katie's blog and I love it.

He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
-Job 8:21

Happy Heart Day!

Valentine's isn't my favorite holiday, by far. It's not even in the top ten. I like flowers and chocolate just like everyone else, but I married a very Non-Romantic guy, so romancing just ain't his thing.
But happy heart day to everyone!

Crockpotting (I like taking nouns and making them verbs)

I got 7 crockpots for wedding gifts. It because this running joke about my crockpots and I even took a picture of all of them in their glory when we finally moved in our first house and unpacked all the wedding gifts. Just so you know, I only kept two, a big one and a small one.

I LOVE cooking in my crockpot! It makes me so happy to come home after work and dinner be READY. Not to mention it makes my house smell happy too.

Marty had mentioned to me a blog a lady did with 365 crockpot recipes. She made a new year resolution to cook with her crockpot everyday of 2008. I googled her site and found more crockpot recipes than a little girl could ever want.
In case you want it too, I'll save you the google trouble.
www.crockpot365.blogspot.com

I spent an hour or so this morning reading though the post and printing some recipes I want to try. I have a list of recipes and after Sunday armed with my coupons, I'll be crockpotting like a mad woman. I'll post my fav recipes.

coupon update

I spent the morning get myself together for my new task of couponing. I headed to Kroger to do my pricing, since I never really paid attention to what things cost.
They had ground turkey on sale for $.99 a pack! It's normally $3.49! I saved $2.50 a package!
We don't use ground turkey much. I'm just a ground beef girl. I don't mind ground turkey, you can't taste the difference, it just looks different. But for $.99- sold- I bought 4 packs and will probably go back and get more to freeze.
I know I wasn't couponing, but I saved over $16 today and only spent $10! I'm so proud of myself.

Couponing

Yesterday I watched Oprah. I never watch Oprah; I don't agree with her and what she does or does not stand for (but that's a topic for another day, another time).
The whole show was on the Economy and budgeting and such. I really enjoyed it. They have the thriftiest family in America on. They survive (and save) on an income of $58,000 for a family of 5. Holy cow! But what really interested me was Coupon Mom. She was incredible.
I have tried to coupon (is that a verb?) a couple of times. I get so overwhelmed with clipping and then filing and then I can't remember what I have and when it expires. Oh, it's awful. Not to mention I end up spending more money cause I buy more than I would simply because I have a $.25 coupon.
I told Nick if someone would just set up the system I would do it. I just can't figure out how to make it work. Well, my new BFF Coupon Mom has the system in place. You just print out the handbook and start saving!
But today, faithful readers, I'm turning over a new leaf.

So starting today, I'm on the coupon bandwagon! All aboard....

Books, books, and more books

I LOVE to read. About 10 years, heck, even 5 years ago, I never would have said that about myself. I have this complusion now- once I start reading a book, it's almost impossible to put down. I mean I seriously finish a book in one sitting. I'm a fast reader, well actually I scan, not read- but whatever. Anyway, so I have a problem...
I don't know what to read next.
I just finished Twilight Series and I'm book two of the Mark of Lion Series (which is a hard read) but today I wandered around Barnes and Nobles for an hour. I don't know what I was expecting, something to just jump off the shelf at me or what. I ended up buying a puzzle (hello, I'm a grandma!).
So help, what are some good reads...
I'm off to do my puzzle and watch talk shows!

I'm cheating, in a good way

I feel like I should confess that I'm cheating on my scripture memory verses. I started memorizing Habakkuk 3:18&19 back on the 15th and truth be told I had it memorized that day. I kept the note card in my car and one on my bathroom mirror and said it all the time. I feel pretty confindent that I know it really well, so I'm moving on. I know I shouldn't start a new verse till the end of the week, but I'm ready.
So my new verse is:
God is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask for. -Ephesians 3:20

I know I had such a hard time picking a verse last time, but not this time. This verse really just jumped out to me.

And while I'm confessing that I cheated and started a new verse, I'll come clean about this too- I'm actually starting two new verses. I found another one I just loved so I figured I'll do both, especially since the Ephesians verse is so short.

Do not be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch and you will see the wonderful way the Lord will save you today. The Lord will fight for you and you will not have to lift a finger. -Exodus 14:13&14

There is a little bit I left out "The Egyptians you are looking at- you will never see them again". I guess that's cheating too, but hey, it's my memory verses.

I have a Wii!

Finally after months of waiting, we went Wii shopping Sunday after church. It only took 3 stores, but we scored one! I have to order Wii Fit online though, we couldn't find it anywhere!
Last night, I got beaten in tennis by a 7 year old. So today I spent some of the day practicing only to get my butt kicked when Nick and Robert got home. Are males just born with the ability to win at video games- seriously?!
My arm is sore from boxing, bowling, and baseball- headed to ice down my injuries.

More Christmas Pictures

Here are the "normal" Christmas pictures, or as normal as my family gets.

Cheerleading Christmas

It's what you've been waiting for... the pictures from our Cheerleading Christmas half time number as well as the spirit tunnel.
We know we are crazy, but enjoy!

Scripture Memory

So sometimes God really hits me over the head with things- I guess I am a little slow on the pick up sometimes. Well over the last few months, it's been scripture memory and my friend Becky was the last straw. So I'm adding a new 2009 goal to my list (which I'll blog about soon)- Scripture Memory. I'm going to try to memorize two scriptures a month starting tomorrow, the 15th. I'll change verses the 15th and 1st of each month.
I got my Bible out this morning and flipped and flipped and flipped. I was seriously stressing over what to pick (I have issues - I know!) I went and got my Message Bible and flipped and flipped and flipped. Then I went and got my Student Bible from high school and college and decided I'd memorize something I had highlighted years ago- flip, flip, flip... Then it hit me. I'd start by memorizing a verse that was the cornerstone for the memorial service for my friend Alicia (who died when I was a senior in high school). The verse is Habakkuk 3: 18 and 19. I don't remember lots from the service but I remember the Ken (the preacher) sharing how he had gotten Alicia's Bible after the accident and was amazed that she had read Habakkuk and had highlighted this verse; Habakkuk is a small kinda no name book that gets overlooked.

So, to start my journey...

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountain" -Habakkuk 3:18&19

I'll be *trying* to remember to post my verses here for accountability sake.

check me out...

So how bout my new blog look?! Don't you love it, well I do.
I'd love to take credit for it, but I know NOTHING at html coding and design. Thanks to Katie I got hoooked up with Ashley who designed it for me! Thanks Ashley- I LOVE IT and you are fabulous!
Now maybe I'll blog more regularly... maybe.

2008 year end review

Since I am WAY behind on my scrapbooking right now, I'm doing my year end review here first.
2008 was a great year for the Brown household. Here are some of the highlights:
1. My brother moved in with us. He transferred to TDOT here in Murfreesboro. It's been great. I enjoy having him around (and the free manual labor isn't bad either)
2. My little sister got engaged. I mean, she's not old enough to be a wife.... but we are glad Chase will finally be in the family, he's been around long enough.
3. Nick and I took a couple great trips. Boston and the beach and some short weekend get aways. I love traveling!
4. Mom, Anna, and I took the funniest trip ever. I will never forget the memories we made in backwood Virginia, not to mention the airport! We're already planning our next adventure.
5. Project Baby Brown was started. So far... no news.
6. My best friend, Erin also got engaged to a GREAT guy and I couldn't be happier for her. I'm just sad she is moving to Virgina, but I'll be visiting!
7. I started a new job as a photographer and got myself a fancy camera. I just LOVE it!
8. I read a ton of books. And I do mean a ton. This year I'm keeping a list so I can have a count.


I guess that's about all... now on to 2009.

ho ho holidays

Ok, so I'm a little behind in blogging, but being off work makes me lazy.
We had a fantastic Christmas season. We spent Christmas with my family in Memphis. Words can't describe the craziness that is my family. We have such a great time together. We laugh until we cry! I'll post some pictures of the Halftime Present Opening Cheerleading Routine the girls did at MawMaw's and PawPaw's because words just won't do that justice. (I just can't find my card adapter right now- of course)

We got way more that we needed or deserved. Guess I was a good girl this year. I'm sad the holidays are over, I just love it, but that means we are closer to spring and WARM WEATHER!