Goodbye Summer

Our boys head back to school tomorrow.

I know many parents are relating to the classic ad from Staples set to the tune of, "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year", and have a glazed smile on their faces.  I am however, truly sad.

I think I'm dreading their return to school even more than they are.  This is saying a lot if you knew how much our middle schooler loathes this time of year.

As I sit feeling like I could cry, I mentally peeled away the layers of my sadness to get to the root of my melancholy.  Eureka!  I found it!

I'm sad that this summer is ending because we will never have this summer again.  Sure, another trip around the sun and we'll have another summer season; but we'll never have THIS summer again.

This was the summer of our oldest son having his last birthday before becoming a teenager.
It was the summer of our youngest son having his last birthday in the single digits.
It was the summer both of our boys chose to be baptized as an outward expression of their faith.
It was the summer of multiple birthday sleepovers.
It was the summer of new wheels for the hubs.
It was the summer of both boys being away at camp at the same time and yet having a schedule that was busier than ever!
It was the summer our Webelos Scout earned his first pin (Aquanaut)!
It was the summer our Boy Scout was voted into the Order of the Arrow!
It was the summer of spending time with family in Westport, playing with cousins in the water, digging up shells and kayaking.
It was the summer I learned (with help from our Boy Scout) how to start a fire with flint and steel.
It was the summer our oldest got his braces on.
It was the summer our family went camping, and I actually liked it!
It was the summer of spending lots of time at the pool with Auntie Julie (because she had an operation on her hand) - as well as time with Auntie Judy, and the cousins swimming and splashing.
It was the summer of 2 VBS's.
It was the summer we picked lots of raspberries and made our first jam.
It was the summer our whole family was involved in our church's VBS (and raising money for children in India to get clean drinking water).
It was the summer of our youngest telling me at the bowling alley, "Don't give up Mum. You can do it, believe in yourself. Remember, as Cub Scouts, we 'do our best'. And don't ever forget - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
It was the summer of really great weather, good health, and many blessings!

It was filled with memories we'll cherish, and times that will never be repeated.

Since my lovely mother died over six years ago, I am extremely mindful of how quickly time moves on.  My Mum always used to say, "The older you get, the faster time goes by." She was so right!

I pass these wise words on to our boys.  I encourage them to enjoy where they are at and embrace what is coming.

So with that in mind, I will be thankful for our terrific summer and will now look forward. I will welcome all of the one-of-a-kind, never to be repeated moments that are coming and will make fall 2014 another amazing season to cherish.

Farewell summer 2014!

Day 3

Today I am thankful for sleep. 
This may sound weird to those that know me well as 6 - 8 hours is plenty for me, and I don't like to sleep late. But, I am so appreciative of a good night's sleep. If I'm sick, it makes me feel better. If I'm worried or stressed about things, I awake with a better perspective. After a long day it feels so great to climb under cozy covers. Then in the am, I love waking up to my young men coming in for a morning snuggle before starting our day.
Thank you Lord for peaceful sleep!

Day 2

Today I am thankful for my husband. 

 

He works hard to provide for our family. He is the official attic 'getter-outer' and 'put-awayer'. He does most of the yard work. He protects me from ferocious bugs (like spiders). When I'm sick, he takes care of me. He is a great Dad and gets involved in the boys Scouting (he is "Mr. Scout"), and cheers them on at their soccer games. He makes great cheesy eggs. He is a wonderful example of loving and serving the Lord. He loves me unconditionally, supports, protects and encourages me. And if all of that isn't enough, he does a great Dr. Duffenshmirtz impersonation which amuses me greatly (sorry folks, he won't do that for just anyone)! I could go on, but suffice to say, I am thankful and blessed to have John as my husband!

 

Thank you Lord for providing me with a wonderful husband and friend, and a great dad for our boys!!

"30 Days of Thankfulness Challenge" Day 1

As I was falling asleep last night I was running through my head all of the things that needed to get done today in preparation for this evenings Pizza & Movie Night for my Cub Scouts.  As I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the list of 'to-do's', I knew what my Day 1 post would be about.

Today I am thankful for, our home.

It's not palatial.  It's not pristine.  It's floors are not without stains and marks.  It's shelves and corners are not without clutter.

But here's what it is.

It's a home where there is lots of love, laughter and life!  Over the 9 years since the Lord brought us to, and provided for our home,
* we have welcomed our 2nd son
* hosted playgroups
* my mother stayed on weekends (super special since she is now with the Lord)
* held summer school when the public school had nothing to offer
* had a licensed day care, providing for our family
*  lots of laughs at Sunday night scrapbook nights
* celebrated many birthdays, anniversaries and holidays
* annual Christmas parties
* lead and hosted two separate Cub Scout Dens
* many Bible studies
* dearly loved Heart2Heart program once a month
* too many play dates to count
And much, much more!!

What a blessing it has been to watch our children grown here, and welcome friends and family in it's doors.

So although our home may not be featured in Better Homes and Gardens, it is a refuge and blessing to our family, and I am truly grateful!!  Thank you Lord for our home!!!

30 Days of Thankfulness Challenge

Several years ago I started an "I Am Thankful" challenge on my blog; you know, where you write one thing for which you are thankful each day.  After a few years had passed and I began using Facebook more than my blog, I began writing my thankful posts on there. 

Psalm 107:1 Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.

As November is approaching quickly, I began thinking about how it's almost 'that time' again.  As I considered it while perusing my Facebook news feed however, I felt God prod me to do more.

I was convicted to not only write one thing for which I am thankful each day in November, but also to strive to not complain.

Complain, complain, complain.  How easy our pet peeves, annoyances and gripes roll off the tongue (and fingers).  "We need to vent!" we'll reason.  Yes, it's true, I feel the need to vent sometimes too.  But have you ever signed onto Facebook for a quick minute before work just to check in and at the end of that minute feel annoyed or almost depressed over all of the negative posts in your news feed?
What if, ... what if, instead of just posting what we are thankful for that day, we also endeavor to keep our posts positive for the whole month?  How would that make us feel individually, not to give into that grumpy voice in our heads?  How would it make us feel to see primarily happy, positive posts in our news feeds?

Now of course, things will come up.  People will have real needs, hurts and problems.  I'm talking about giving up for one month, posting about how horrible the coffee server was who forgot to double cup your latte.  I'm talking about not speculating how anyone could buy a new car in that color.  I'm talking about not complaining that anyone who likes a particular show, movie or band is a moron.  See where I'm going with this?  We all have the right to our opinions, I'm just challenging us all to not go negative for one month.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
This will also help us with Philippians 4:8 - Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

And what if we take things even one step further (now I'm really getting crazy!).  What if, we challenge ourselves to let at least one person per week through November know that we appreciate them?  A handshake and a word of thanks.  A card with a note of appreciation.  What then?  How would that effect both the giver and the receiver?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up ...

What do you say?  Anyone with me on this?

Would you join me for "30 Days of Thankfulness"? 

Feel free to save the picture below and put it on your Facebook page or blog.  If you have a blog, leave me a message with your address and I'll link to your site.

Entitlement

Against my better judgment, I clicked on a link on the MSN home page.

The headline read, "Florida mom outraged over breastfeeding ban at college".

I don't know why I clicked on it. Really, I don't. But alas, I did.

MSN had a video (which I'd like to include a link to in this post, but they have since taken it off) where the mom talks about how she's been wronged. Oh pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaassssssssssseeeeeeeee!

Here it is in a nutshell:

She showed up at her final exam for a college course with her 10 month old baby in a stroller and expected to be let in. (She said her plan was for the baby to sleep through most of the exam, and then maybe wake up at the end to be fed. We all know how babies follow their mother's plans, right?!) She was turned away by a proctor at the door because babies are not allowed in a final exam.

The mom then claimed the school was violating her rights and sent them a copy of a law that says she has the right to breastfeed in public.

The college wrote her back saying her rights were not violated as their issue wasn't with her breastfeeding, but their policy is that no babies/children are allowed in a proctored final exam.

So then what does this woman say to the interviewer? Oh.. it gets worse...

She said that if there are special accommodations made for people with handicaps and learning-disabilities, even giving them separate rooms, then breast feeding mother should be given the same.

So being a parent is now equivalent to being handicapped or having a disability?!?!?!? Seriously?!!!!

The reporter also said that when she was asked why she didn't leave the baby with someone during her exam she said that the father was at work.

Ok, so the REAL issue here is not about breastfeeding at all! It's that she didn't have a babysitter and therefore, she felt entitled to bring her 10 month old to an exam and all of the other students just had to suck-up the distraction.

I am so irritated by this story!!!! I am sickened by this wave of entitlement that has swept the country!! This is not isolated as I'm sure many of us can attest. I've even heard of mothers changing their baby’s diapers on restaurant tables if they don't have a changing facility, or if it's not to their liking. Seriously? Bring your stroller into the restroom or go to your car. How seriously unhygienic and how disgusting for other patrons! It would be nice if they had a changing station, and certainly you could decide not to go there again because you don't care for their lack of accommodations. But your child is not the world's responsibility!!

I've had two babies. I know how hard, exhausting, inconvenient, stressful and thankless it can be. But you know what? I chose to have my two precious little guys. They are our responsibility and I don't expect the whole world to bend over backwards to make my job easier. The world doesn't owe me.

So to all of the selfish, self-absorbed, entitled parents out there: Get over yourselves!!!!!!!!!!

I will now store my soapbox safely away until my next rant.

 

We're Scary

The boys wanted to go to the library after school today. (What mom is going to say 'no' to that?)
After checking out 12 books, we headed out to the parking lot.
I waited for the boys to climb in the back and shut the door.  Then I got in and sat down.
We were sitting for about a minute and I thought to myself, "What's taking so long?"
I then looked to my left to see the drivers seat empty.
I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE DRIVERS SEAT!!
I then began laughing hysterically, my boys were only very mildly amused.  I think at this point, they're starting to just find my craziness scary.
So I get out of the passengers seat and into the drivers seat and we begin our short trip home.  As I'm driving, our 7 year old comments on the fact that a truck had passed us with "John Ripley" written on the side.
He said that he found that funny and then asked us to guess why he thought it was funny.  Our 11 year old guessed that he thought 'rippley' referred to the man farting a lot. (I have boys, gas humor is how they roll)  We all giggled about that and then he said, "No.  I thought there were a lot of people named John buried in there."
Son #1 and I were baffled and looked at each other through the rear view mirror and I quietly said that I didn't get it.
"Well a lot of gravestones say 'rip' on them so if that says 'ripply' there must be more than one dead person."

Medic Please

"Diane, how are you doing?" - "Oh, I'm fine thanks."
"You've gone through a lot, are you ok?"  - "Yes, I did, but it's ok."

These have been common place conversations lately.

There has been lots going on over the last several months.  Things like meanness.  Gossip.  Lying. Name calling.  You get the general idea.  This is hard enough, but when it happens in the confines of church, it seems to shock and hurt even more as we generally consider church a 'safe place'.  The thing to remember is, church is only made up of people and no one is perfect.  Sorry if that came as a shock to some (wink wink).

Now details about what I've expereinced are not necessary.  The point is that by God's grace, I have never been one to hold onto anger or hold a grudge and so this season has been no different.  However, I've always taken for granted that healing just comes automatically.

One day I came up with an analogy that I shared with my husband that I thought really summed it up.  I said it's like I took a cooking class with friends and one (or two, or.. ) accidentally slipped with her knife and gave me a little slice.  I can forgive that friend so much quicker than the wound will heal.  I'm just in the process of the wound healing, I'm fine.

I was quite happy with this analogy.  I felt I had hit the nail on the head!

Until....

Last Sunday I was at church and was asked again how I was by someone I trust.  I said that I was 'ok' and shared my analogy with the man asking.  I was expecting him to smile and agree with me, however, he instead said something that really didn't sink in until this morning while doing my hair.  He said, "Yeah, but instead of a friend(s) accidentally giving you a little slice, she purposely took the knife and stabbed you in the hand.  That's a little harder to handle."......... WOW!!

While burning curling my hair this morning, this conversation replayed in my mind and it really registered.  If you get a little slice, you wash it, put on some ointment and put on a bandage and you're on your way.  This is how I've handled things emotionally.
With a stab wound though, you'd put some packing on it and go to the hospital to make sure there isn't internal damage; then you'd get stitched up and book your follow up appointment to make sure it doesn't get infected.

What I've experienced hasn't been a little accidental slice; it's like stab wounds.  They run deep, not at the surface level.  I can't put on a little balm and expect that it will heal itself.  I need to go to the doctor - to the Great Physician!

I've prayed about all of the situations going on and for other people, but I haven't prayed and asked God to heal me.  It seems, selfish almost.  But the truth is, if I don't seek medical attention when necessary, the wound can fester and become a bigger problem.  I need to have my wounds healed by the only one who truly can.

So, am I ok?  Yes, or rather, I will be.  I'm just in a season of having my wounds healed, and I trust God that He absolutely will heal them!! 

When One Door Closes, A Windown Opens, Right?

It's the end of an era.  Well, ok, almost 8 years... But an ending none the less.

I have served on the Women's Ministry team (called W.O.W. for Women of Worship) at our church ever since our second son (who is just about to turn 8) was about a month old.  This weekend, I stepped down from serving on the women's ministry team. Writing the letter of resignation was so difficult, for so many reasons.  Even just typing that statement out on here was hard.

For several years now I have served in multiple capacities at our church in addition to volunteering at school (for 2 years), working at another church as their secretary, being a Cub Scout leader, etc.. and as a result, my family and our home has suffered for my being over-extended.  God really convicted me of this some time ago when our younger son wanted me to play with him but I had to tell him no as I was preparing for a women's ministry meeting and finishing up a report for another church board. I realized my priorities were wrong!  But I still questioned, "God, are You telling me to let go?"

Quite some time ago; about a year and a half ago to be specific, I had decided that I was going to call the Pastor to tell him I needed to step down - only for him to beat me to the punchline. He was stepping away to take another job.  I felt like I had to stay at that time, I couldn't let people down.  Well it was determined this weekend that he is coming back, so I felt peace and God's leading that it was time for me to now step down.

Being coordinator of the team has been such a blessing and a true labor of love.  God gave me such a love for all of the women of our church, and all of His daughters in general.  If I have left anything with them, I hope it is a love for God's word and a desire to grow closer to Jesus!!!

I have served with some truly wonderful ladies through the years - Debi, Barbara, Janet, Debbie R., Pam, Pat, Sherri, Jen, Deb H..  Thank you ladies, it's been an honor to minister along side of you!
W.O.W. will always have a special place in my heart!!  We've had such fun and special times!!

I'm reminded of the saying, "When God closed a door, He opens a window", and therefore wonder, if this door is closing, where is the open window?

I am excited to see where the window He will open will lead!  Continued home Bible study? Discipling?  Writing?  Speaking?  Maybe just being quiet and not so busy so I can listen to what He has to say to me...

As I'm typing this, it's suddenly struck me how being the women's ministry coordinator has become such a strong part of my identity.  It grounded me with a sense of purpose.  I had never really thought about that before.  Hmm... I don't have to be (shouldn't any way) part of a team/committee to have a sense of purpose. Maybe this is why the door has been closed...

In any case; I will try not to be sad, but will wait with anticipation to see what's beyond the next open window!

I've Missed You

It was our big guy's birthday yesterday.  11... Seriously, how can that be?!!!  But I digress...

I wanted to update my photo on FB to a baby picture of him, but I couldn't find one one my lap top.  After wracking my brain trying to think where I can find a baby picture of him on the computer, it occurred to me to check old blog posts.

As I came to this blog, it was like rediscovering an old friend.  I began reading old posts and remembering events and feelings that I had forgotten.

But what really hit me was, I used to love to blog!  I loved writing about silly things, serious things, painful things and frivolous things.  I would look forward to the rare comments - but it wasn't instant gratification like on FB when someone hits a 'like button'.  The real gratification was in getting whatever I was going through out of me and into written words.  I'm much more likely to really express myself here than on FB.  I can be more.... me.

What I discovered yesterday is that, I miss this.  I miss blogging.  I miss just being, The Lady of the House Speaking.  I have things to say; even if they're not important to anyone but me.

So blog, I'm coming back.  I've missed you!

One of Those Seasons

Hello little blog; my goodness how I've neglected you!

As I sit here in my recliner and rock, I think back on my very stressful day.  Fighting with the kids to get ready for school only to have them time and time again start to play or fight instead of doing the task I gave them. Then in the 11th hour, son #1 pulls out a review sheet and asks me to quiz him.  We finish as I tell him to get his coat on and get out to the bus stop only to notice son #2 had still been playing rather than doing as he was told which lead to me running outside and flagging down the bus so it wouldn't leave without him.  Not a great start to the day.
There's more that added to the stress, but I won't continue on.  You all know what a bad day looks like.  Take this and add to it a plate that is way too full (ok, in this instance I'm not making a crack at my weight - but rather refering to my tendency to take on way more than I can sanely handle).
Lately, I've had more and more of these days.
With all of this, my low self-esteem has been kicking into overdrive.  As emails, phone calls and any other forms of communication come in where people have taken the opportunity to take advantage, I have no energy to hold up my shield.  Take advantage of what?  My people-pleaseing nature. My almost inability to say 'no'.  My habit of rolling over when people say things unkind, insulting, super and unjustly critical, etc.. Folks, this just boils down to 'one of those seasons'. (boo-hoo, call the whaaaaaambulance!)

Quite frankly, I'm sick of this season.  I can't fix it, I can't just suck-it-up. BUT, I do have a Savior that can handle all of this.
Here's the challenge I'm giving myself (to begin tomorrow).  I will be holding on with both hands to at least one scripture verse a day to speak truth into this season of stress, frustration and hurt.
I'm not great - but my God is!!!
Don't let others, your schedule, your view of yourself or even the devil get you down.  It's so easy to fall into this pit. 
God, please help me and anyone else reading this that can relate, get out of this pit and reach up for your ever-extended hand.

Mind Your Business - lol

Too funny to not share:

This story is actually about a month old now, but I was thinking about it and it still makes me giggle.

I was helping my 6 year old out of the shower and he said to me, "Mummy, do I have to wear those pajamas again?" (He for some reason, had gone in his room and put on his pj's only to have to remove them again to shower.)  "Yes" I replied.
He sighed and asked, "Mum, don't some people just sleep in their underwear?"
Me - "Yes, some men sleep in their underwear."
6 yr old - Thinks a second and makes a little sour face - "Yeah, women wouldn't do that.  That would just be really gross."
Me - "Do you think women are gross?" I asked with a smile on my face.
6 yr old - With a little bit of a Stan Laurel look on his face, "Um, Mum, I think you should just mind your own business." (Please note: This was not fresh or rude, it was as if he had spoken his previous thought by mistaken and was now embarassed.)
Me - Laugh! "It is my business, we were having a conversation!"
6 yr old  - Pats me on the shoulder - "Well, you're welcome for cracking you up."

Ah yes, that he does!!

A Splash of Color

I came across a great blog while looking on Pinterest the other day.  Do you know about Pinterest?  I'm sure you do, that's a post for another time.
It's called The Small Things and  it's done by Kate, a Christian hairstylist.  She gives great tips on hair, make-up and stying.  Great stuff!  I just may have found my new haircut there too.
Today I went on and saw that she had a giveaway on her site for Zoya and Birchbox Blogger collection polishes.  Shown on the blog are beautiful spring colors!
My toenails go naked from October to about March, but as soon as the weather starts to change I love to break out some color!  I'm funny in that I will use much bolder colors on my toes that I will on my fingers.  Am I just strange or do others do the same thing?
If you'd like ot check it out, go to http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2012/04/zoya-blogger-collection-giveaway.html#more

And the Word Is....

It's that time again faithful 'Lady of Da' House' readers (thank you to all 3 of you!), that's right, it's time for my Word of the Year.  The word will become my key word that I hope will inspire me over the next 12 months.
Before going forward however, just a quick reflection on how I did with last year's word.  My word for 2011 was "Do".  I have to admit that I did do a lot last year, but not necessarily everything I listed.  The boys room does now have a desk and shelves. Check.  I did do a major cleanout of the playroom. Check. I did go through the mini dresser in my room, but since we couldn't afford to replace it, it's still there. Half check.  Work on ministry... well, I did create business cards and a blog, but didn't get much further. Half check.  I GOT A JOB - big ole' CHECK!  I will give myself a B for the year.  That may be a bit generous.. but that has to do with this year's word.

Drum roll please......

My word for 2012 is - HEALTHY

1. Physically Healthy  (Of course we all go to this meaning of the word when we hear it)
     *  Make healthier food choices. (more fruits & veggies, less processed foods, vitamin)
     *  More physical activity (2-3 x wk) & more sleep (min. 7 hours)
     *  The focus isn't on weight loss - but health. Weight loss will most likely be a nice benefit.
2. Healthy Relationships
     * Spend more time with my family (date night with the hubs at least once a month, family devotions,
       uninterupted mom-son time daily, 1week vacation & 3 weekends away)
     * Friendships that are an equal give and take - encouraging, edifying relationships.
     * Spend regular, quality time with the Lord. (min. 1/2 hour quite time daily)
3. Healthy Ministry
     * Prayerfully consider what God is calling me to. Say 'yes' to it and give it 100%.
     *  To what I do not feel God is calling me to, say "no" and mean it.
     *  It's healthy to share - so I will share Christ with people.  Incidentally, do you know Christ as your
       Savior?  Yes, I'm talking to you... If not,and I know you, I'd love to have you over for a cup of tea
       and some fresh baked cookies and have a nice chat.  (If I don't know you, leave me a comment
       and I'd love to share Christ with you)4. Healthy Thinking

     * I'm thinking of Philippians 4:8 - Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever   
       is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or  
       praisworthy, think about such things.
     * I will not let what other's think about me determine how I feel about myself. Psalm 139:14 ... I am
       fearfully and wonderfully made.

I have notes that go far more into detail, but I don't think it's too healthy to obsess over excessive details. :)

What are your goals for 2012?
Whatever they are - I wish you a happy, healthy and richly blessed new year!!!

Cry

Do you ever feel like you could just sit down and cry?

Nothing is wrong.  You're not sick.  You just feel your stomach in knots and a tightness in your throat from holding back tears that trying to work their way out.

I've been feeling like I'm spread thin and that I'm not giving 100% to anything.

Work is going well.  But I have my own way of doing things that isn't the same as others who had my job in the past.  They all did a fabulous job, but I'm not them and can only do things in the way that's right for me.  I ran into an issue a week ago and I had someone not connected with the situation call me yesterday and tell me that I just have to deal with it.  Frustrating and now I think a few folks aren't thrilled with me...  Hate to be disliked.   Bluck!

I've been cleaning out old toys and baby/toddler gear.  It makes me so sad.  I LOVE my boys!!! I just always thought I'd have three kids, I feel like there's a piece of the puzzle missing.  But my feelings are just wrong.  It wasn't God's plan for us to have three so I need to count my blessings and move on and accept my little men are getting older - that's how it goes.

I'm working, and yet money is still always so tight.  I'm sick of having to squeeze a dollar till it squeaks.  I'm tired of having to plan things down to the last dollar.  I'm sick of having to buy crap food because the fresh produce costs so much more.  I hate that I can't get my kids what they really want for Christmas (although, we are so vastly blessed and they are getting plenty).  I've never had aspirations of being rich, but just being able to pay my bills without concern and not having to wear sock with holes in them would be great.

I miss my mum!  I could tell her how I felt and she'd call me her 'little love' and she'd say 'come here my little babe and let mum love you' - yes, even at 40 that's what she'd say to me and then give me a big hug and let me rest my head on her shoulder for a bit.  She was the one person in the world who was in my corner no matter what!  My husband is awesome, but it's not the same.  It gets me too that I'll never have a mother-daughter relationship again.  I miss her desperately..

I feel like there are a lot of people who don't like me. Boo hoo, I know.  But it hurts my wittwle feewing.

Oh, and fat??!!  I'm sure I've gained back all that I lost a year and a half ago. I haven't been brave enough to get on the scale, but all of my clothes are tight, or just don't fit and I feel yuck.  Why do I keep yo-yoing?  Why can't I make a life change for good?

I don't think anyone reads this blog any way so I'm venting. 
Sending my rants into the great big void in hopes that it will be cathardic and I'll feel better when I'm done.

Just feel like I wanna cry.
But this too shall pass.

Should I Wait Until B.F.?

"Are the sales on Black Friday always the best deal of the season?"

In a word, 'no'.

Don't assume that everything will be at it's lowest price on Black Friday.  If you're looking to keep those purse strings pulled pretty tight this year, it will be worth it to take 20 minutes a week from now going forward to look at the weekly sales flyers.

If you're looking for board games for instance, right now is a great time to get them.  For the past few years Toys R' Us have been having their big game sale prior to Black Friday.  I think last year's game sale was better than this year, but thankfully, last year was my year to buy all of my nieces and nephews (and my boys) games.  There was a game one of my nieces wanted that I picked up for $15 that for the rest of the Christmas shopping season never came below $22 again.

Even if you cancel it on December 23rd, go ahead and sign up at your favorite store's site to have their weekly circular sent to your inbox.  Sit down to paruse the circulars with a nice steamy mug of coffee and by the time you hit the bottom you'll have determined if there is an item or two, or three or four that you can purchase now at a better price than on B.F.  Don't forget to sign up for the B.F. scans.

Next post: "Not your typical place to buy Christmas gifts"

Christmas giving - Part I

We have lots of people on our Christmas list to buy for.  To be honest, as much as I enjoy giving gifts, the amount of presents we want to give verses the amount of money in the bank stresses me out and steals some joy out of this holiday that's really about celebrating the ultimate gift, Jesus.

For years I have been putting on the ole' thinking cap to get the best deals and searching for creative ways to get the most for our dollar so that we not only have happy gift receivers but also a gift giver that's not stressed to the max.  Over the next few posts I will share some of the observations I've made and some creative gift giving ideas.

Today's tip isn't really much of a secret to anyone, Black Friday.  I've been a Black Friday shopper for years, since before I had children.  Over the years I've learned a few things.

1. You don't have to wait until Thanksgiving to see what great deals there are to be had on the next day.  You can go to BlackFriday.com and sign up to receive notices to your email when each B.F. flyer is scanned and listed on their site.  There are a few up already, such as Kohl's.  They will also list other special sales leading up to the biggest shopping day of the year.

2.  When do you go?  We've all seen the horrible clips on the evening news follow B.F. showing the throngs of bargain shoppers rushing into a store as the doors open like they think their in Madrid running from the bulls.  I remember a few years ago a man actually got trampled to death at a Wal-Mart.  Listen, I don't care how cheap those flat screen tvs are, that's never going to be a good enough reason to act like a lunatic and hurt people.  The first few years I did go as the doors opened (back then it was 5:00 am) but soon learned that people tend to be rude (pushing, shoving, hitting you with their cart, etc..) and that everything doesn't go in those first few minutes.  Sure, if you're looking for the hottest item and the sales flyer says that they'll only have 5 of that item in stock, you'll need to be one of the first in line to get the item.  Ask yourself, 'how bad do your really want it?' before putting yourself out there.  I suggest getting there about 20 minutes to a 1/2 hour after they open.  Other than the extream items (as mentioned above) the other sales items will still be on the shelves and the people who think they've entered the hundred yard dash are now making their way back to their cars.  Sure, it will still be crowded, but your chances for bodily injury will have decreased dramatically.

3.  "They open at midnight, but the really hot item isn't being offered until 5:00 am.. What should I do?"  I faced this last year.  I wanted to get the game system that was on sale for a great price at Wal-Mart at 5:00 am.  They opened at midnight and there were other items I wanted.  I thought I'd arrive at 4:30 and get in line for the DS and then pick up the rest of the stuff I wanted (pj's, DS games, etc...)  So, I waited in line in the automotive department and got the DS, but when I went to get the rest of the items on my shopping list, everything was so picked over and they had even sold out of things.  Going forward I'd suggest either going at midnight and get everything you want and then come back for the 5:00 am items, or get there at 3:00 am and stay till you have everything you want.

4. Ok, this one isn't a tip to save money, it's more like a public service announcement. We all know that those out on B.F. whether it be at mindnight or 5am are sleepy. It's great to go in sweats. Go ahead and throw your hair in a clip. No need to fuss with make up. But please, please, take one minute before heading out the door to brush your teeth. I swear I almost passed out in line last year with the two bffs in front of me discussing their purchases and where to go next. And why did it seem every word they had to say began with an 'h'. Just sayin'....



5.  Have a plan.  Check out the flyers and try to make as few stops as you can.  Each store has special items for sale during a specified window of time.  It's hard to hit Target, Wal-Mart, Toys r' Us, Kohl's, Sears, etc... all before the early bird specials are off the tables.  Figure out where you'll save the most money.  Also, don't forget that Wal-Mart will price match!!  Oh ya baby, bring those sales flyers with you.  No, the shoppers behind you may not love you for holding the line up and extra minute, but tough, they didn't brush their teeth so that's what they get.

Next time.. "Are the sales on Black Friday always the best deal?"

Two and a Half Minutes

Lately I've noticed that I'm finding myself either loving or hating commercials.  Here are some that I adore and others I find a big fat bore!

LOVE:

1. Volkswagon commercial with the little boy dressed as Darth Vadar.  Having two boys I especially appreciate the magic of this commercial.  I get so excited for the little guy when the car starts, I can just picture how my boys would react.  Who am I kidding, my husband gets as much delight from this commercial as my sons.  It's fabulous!!  I rank this commercial right up there with one of my favorite commercials of all time. (see #2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R55e-uHQna0

2. We normally think of this song toward the end of November and in December but the folks at Stapels brilliantly used the Christmas standard, "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for their back to school ad campaign.  This commercial came out before I ever had kids, but even so, I've adored this commercial since it first came out some time in the 90's.  I love when the father uses the staplers like they are castinets and then goes gliding down the aisle on a shopping cart.  Brilliant - just brilliant!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPIIMbG9R4w

3. Take that Starbucks! was the message being sent by McDonald's with their commercials featuring two guys who wanted to enjoy a good cup of coffee without all the pretention.  "Now I can shave this 'thing' off of my face." (gesturing to the 'soul patch' under his lip)  Lol - good fun!

4.  Another favorite of mine is the Puffs Plus Pals commercials.  You know the ones I mean; it tells a little story with cute characters in softened animation.  I just think the commercials are so sweet - love them.

NO!  NOT THIS AGAIN!

1.  I know a lot of people love these commercials, but there's just something about those homeboy hampsters of the Kia car commercials that just creepy me out!!  I find the drummer and the one sort groovin' in the car especially disturbing.

2. The modelquinns were bad enough - but no, no, not the songs!!  Who writes the lyrics to the Old Navy commercials?  One of the most irritating  was the onethey had for their 'breezy blouses' set to the tune of "I Think We're Alone Now".  "The breezy blouse is great for work or play.  Can I have more whip on my latte?"  Seriously?!!  Ahhhh... Then they came out with their workout clothes commercial; "Don't jiggle it when you wiggle it."  Oh my goodness, make the madness stop!!!!

3. Planet Fitness - 'I pick things up and I put them down' - I see this commercial and I change the channel.  'Nough said.

4.  I'm cheating for #4; instead of naming a specific commercial or company, I am stating how much I dislike commercials that portray men as idiots, women as *itches and glorify bratty spoiled children.  For the past week there have been commercials advertising Halloween candy and a few of the ads showed children greedily reaching into candy bowls and taking handfuls.  This was supposed to be funny.. or cute.  Well this translated into real life.  On Halloween a little boy who was about 4 / 5 years old came to the door, I dropped a few pieces of candy into his bucket and then he reached over and took a big handful of additional candy.  Mum and dad's response?  They called out to him and took a picture and said 'that was so cute!'  Seriously?  I think it's rude!!  Not the 4 year old's fault, it was mom and dad who were truly the rude ones as it's their job to teach jr right from wrong.   But I digress...  Wrotten commercials.

So what are the commercials you love or loathe?

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Check It

Hi folks,
I'm getting ready for a new post about the kids.. just need to download some pictures first.

While waiting, why dontcha head over and visit my new blog:
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diane :)