shopping breakdown

As I child I was ingrained with certain shopping rules:

1. never, ever pay full price for anything &

2. shop a season ahead for your clothes- you'll get the best deal

I live by these rules. I have never and I mean never bought anything full price and I always buy my clothes a season ahead or behind, however you want to look at it. When I see my friends committing the unpardonable sin of purchasing the latest fashions at full price it's so hard for me to bite my tongue- in fact I rarely do- I usually express to them my disdain for such flippant behavior. LAST WEEK I cracked. I just got fed up passing by all the latest spring fashions as I rummaged thru 80% off +(take an extra 25% off that) dreary winter clothes. When I saw this coat I was tempted to break the two rules I have shopped by for decades. When I tried this coat on it was hopeless! I looked at the price tag, looked at my reflection in the mirror, looked at the price tag again and CRACKED! After that the flood gates opened and the shopping began. Don't get me wrong- I didn't go "what not to wear", $5,000 crazy or anything but I did my fair share of splurging. Was it fun? YES ! Will it happen again, anytime soon? PROBABLY NOT! I get far more satisfaction out of getting a lot for a little than I do a little for a lot. BUT DO I LOVE MY JACKET? ABSOLUTELY!!!!

Kids eat free, but really at what cost?

There are a lot of resturaunts in the valley that offer the promotion, "kids eat free". Of course there is always the fine print, like two kids eat free for every one adult entree, drinks not included, gratuity not included, and only on Monday, etc. I'm not usually one to get suckered into such promotions- my motto is NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE! But my niece, koda, was here to visit for the week and we wanted to impress her so we gathered our friends and ventured off to Cafe Ole for "kids eat free" on Monday night. I don't know about the other tabs but our bill, gratuity, tax and non alcoholic drinks included came to a whopping $40. See what I mean- it really cost me $40 to have my kids eat free-BUT fun was had by all. The resturaunt also has a pinada on Monday's for the kids so I guess I could look on the bright side and say that my kids ate and got dessert for $40.

Reece giving it his best swing.

Quincy and Lydia showing off their stash.

Reece and Katie waiting for their turn.

Quincy getting ready to swing.

Reece, Quincy, Bella.

Randy Walker and Selina Thibadeau

Trey thinking he's cool because he's sitting with the kids

Koda, what a cutie.

Pay it Forward

I love the concept behind the idea of paying it forward. This great idea came from Marne's blog.

"Here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, in the next
few weeks, a gift from me! I'll let you choose from the items below, posted at the bottom of this blog entry. The catch is that you must participate as well-before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. Then come back, let me know you're going to play, and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!"

I love books and am willing to pass on some of my favorites- this was difficult for me- i don't usually part with my books but I think paying it forward means more when the giver parts with that which is precious to them. First come first serve so when you post let me know which book you want.

1. Running with Angels- this is an inspirational, spiritual book about a woman who overcomes her battle with obesity. I loved this book. Not only did the author overcome obesity she ran a marathon.

2. The Other Side of Heaven- this is the true story about John H. Groberg and his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, in the islands of Tonga.

3. Stop whining and Start Living by Dr. Laura- I love Dr. Laura and her "in your face" approach. I found some very useful, practical advice in these pages.

it's that time again....

Mom and Trey.

Trey showing how big he is wearing the mask.

Dad and Trey.

Every few months Trey catches a cold and it ALWAYS turns into asthma. I can't help but think of the scripture....if you are prepared ye shall not fear. When he was just a little guy (4 months old) he had his first "asthma attack"(apparently the medical professionals don't call it asthma in children that young). He was diagnosed with a "non specific bronchial infection". HUH??? For a week we were in and out of the urgent care/doctor's office for breathing treatments. It was very scary. The doctor gave us a prescription for a nebulizer so we could purchase our own. He also gave us ample tubes of elbuterol (spelling???). NOW we are prepared. When the attacks start we are able to meet his needs right at home. One recent discovery- Trey willingly cooperates with his mask. No more crying and holding him down.

It's always fun when Grandpa comes, when Grandpa comes.

This weekend Grandpa Dance came for a visit. We had such a good time. He arrived late Thursday night bearing gifts from Grandma Dance-thanks Grandma for restocking Trey with goodies from Trader Joe's- and Aunt Darcy- thanks for all the clothes. Grandpa and I stayed up and talked until about 12:30 a.m.
Friday we dropped Reece off at school and cruised over to Boondocks with Quincy and Trey. After we picked Reece up from school we scadaddled on over to Red Robin and Grandpa bought us dinner. Then we headed back to Boondocks for a night of video games. On Saturday we lazed around the house and had a nice visit with Selina and Bella. Then he took us ALL out to dinner- we definately got spoiled and I'm sure the few pounds I lost found their way back to my midsection.

Trey, Quincy, Grandpa and Reece.

Trey, Grandpa and Quincy.

Grandpa and the kids.

If only the adults had some of the children's energy.........

Always learning....

I borrowed this quote from a friend's blog- the author is unknown and the words really touched me. Sometimes I allow myself to get caught up in the thick of thin things. When this happens I get so frustrated because I know better than that. I guess this is just part of learning and growing for me. I may never get it perfected but I am going to try.

There comes a time in life
when you have to let go of
all the pointless drama
& the people who create it
& surround yourself with
people who make you laugh
so hard that you forget
the bad and focus solely
on the good. Afterall life is
too short to be anything but happy.

You can't play with us!

Ok I know 3's a crowd and that kids can just be down right mean sometimes BUT this story is hilarious. Quincy was playing over at Bella's house with Bella and her cousin Anna. Today Anna came into the office, you know the place where Selina and I were lounging around eating our bon bon's and drinking our Pepsi, upset because Bella and Quincy weren't letting her in on the dress up action. Upon our investigation we learned this exclusion was really for Anna's own health.

Bella, " she can't play with us. I have shingles and Quincy has molluscum".

It's true. Bella does have shingles and Quincy does have molluscum- I guess Anna's out until some contagious skin disease appears on her body OR Quincy and Bella put their clothes back on.