first stab at couponing

So this week I started organizing my coupons instead of cutting them and sticking them in an envelope, then forgetting about them altogether.

Today I scanned over the walgreens and CVS ads to look for good deals that I had coupons for on things we use. Thats the key, things we use.

At Walgreens I needed Easter candy for the kids baskets. They had bags of Mars candy on sale 2 for $5. Then they had egg filled M&M's and snickers for $.75
Here is my breakdown.
Bag of Dove eggs. 3.99
Bag of Snickers 3.99
on sale for 2 for $5
$1 walgreens coupon
$2 off 2 bags manufacturer coupon
$2.00 is what I actually paid.

4 candy filled eggs 1.29 each = $5.16
on sale for $.75 each = $3
I had 2 $1.00 off 2 coupons
$1.00 is what I actually paid.

Total is $3.48 at walgreens.

then to CVS....
1- All laundry detergent on sale for 3.99
3-Kelloggs cereal on sale for $1.66
2-Colgate total toothpaste Buy one get one free. 2.99
2-Hydro 5 razor blade refill buy one get one free. 12.49.

With coupons I paid $14.91. I was pretty happy.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Alex says......

If you are offended by the discussion of bodily functions, don't read below.

Adam: do you know when you fart you gain weight?

Big Adam: How do you know that?

Adam: because I weighed myself at 115.3, then farted and I weighed in at 115.9.

Alex: man, how big was the fart.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

After the Storm

So the later part of 2010 I started a journey that will take me to a healthier happier me.

2010 was a tough year. It started out great. I was enjoying life with my family, had many friends near and dear to me. I was apart of a church that I believed in, and put all my extra time into. I was apart of a ministry that I was very passionate about. I had developed a relationship with God that I loved, depended on.

In the spring my world was rocked. I learned that some people very close to me had messed up big time. This would affect a lot of people. In a matter of one week my church was shut down, my pastor removed, and the church moved back to our old location and temporarily under the leadership of an interim pastor. My family was hurt by some people very close to us, I lost friends, and my church was torn apart with people scattered, I walked away from ministry, and little did I know at the time, but I walked away from my relationship with God as well.

For the past 7 months I have been going thru the grieving process. Grieving over the Church I loved, friendships I lost, I felt like I lost my purpose, and trust in man. I am still going threw the grieving process.

I went threw shock and denial. It all didn’t seem real; I was speechless, full of so much emotion and felt like it was going to explode.

Next came pain and guilt. I was so hurt by friends, mentors, and people who were supposed to guild you threw hard times but weren’t there. I wondered if there was something I could have done, looked at how I may have contributed to the issues at hand. I feel guilty for walking away from ministry; I let people down who counted on me. For that I am truly sorry.

Then came anger, this came on and off for a while. I went from anger, to doubting if I had a right to be angry, to thinking isn’t it time for the anger to end, to being angry again. I said goodbye to my closest friend, which was the hardest decision in all of this. Some may say this was a move of weakness on my part, or of being judgmental, but I had to do it for me.

Right now I am somewhere between Depression/Reflection/Loneliness and The Upward Turn. During this time I realized the true magnitude of what had happened. At times a memory of how things use to be or the hurt I felt will make me just start crying out of the blue. There are times I feel alone, I isolate my self on purpose. I have a wonderful family who I wouldn’t trade for anything, but there is something special about a friend. I spend a lot of time reflecting, trying to see what God wants me to learn threw all of this. Before everything happened this past Spring I felt a shaking in my spirit. Something wasn’t right. I couldn’t figure out what it was, but I knew it would involve my family, friends and my church. I didn’t feel secure in these things. I look back now and know that this was God showing me something was about to happen. I have learned that next time I will know it is God. Sometimes I feel like I lost myself in all of this, then I learn something new about myself, and see that in all of this I am finding myself. Not what others think of me, or based on a person for I am not defined by man, but God. That’s when I feel the upward turn. I used to think of myself as weak, but I now see how strong I am. I now value the time I have with my family, because when everyone else turns away, they will always be there. I am putting my family first. I have learned that ultimately I am responsible for my actions; I can’t blame how I react on others actions. I am learning to have a relationship with God that doesn’t end when the church does. I am learning to trust again. I am taking care of myself and doing things for me, which are just making me a better me for those I love.

So I told you I started a journey that will make me a healthier happier me. In September I started going to Boot camp and eating healthy. It is physically the hardest thing I have ever done. I have never been a very active person. I have struggled with my weight and self-esteeme for all of my adult life. So I finally decided to do something about it. The very first day I told myself I couldn’t do it, it was too hard. But I kept going, and I got stronger, and I love it. I love how I feel. I have lost 20 lbs, and gained a new confidence. I am not were I want to be yet, but I know I can get there. It feels great to-do something for me. Threw this will come the final two phases of the grieving process, or I like to call it the healing process, Reconstruction and Working Through then Acceptance and Hope.

I know this is very personal, but it is away for me to express myself. I haven’t said much these past 7 months. I hope at least one person can be helped by my words.

Job

So many times I've reminded others of the story of Job in the bible when they are going threw trials. I just had an "ah ha" moment when I thought of Job, and realized I should have taken my own advice these past few months. Job lost so much and he still served God and trusted in him. I'm not comparing my trials with Jobs, but it encouraged me because I think God used Job as an example for us to follow when we experience lose or hurt. I let other things keep me from serving God, and justified that because I was hurt. I told myself I didn't blame God, but I did worse, I blamed others and made God pay the price by not continuing my walk with him. Today I will continue my walk with God and depend on my relationship with him.

Just wanted to share that. I'm going to read about Job and be encouraged today.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Alex Says....

Mom, I don't know how I can swim with all these memories. they make my head heavy and I might sink.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Lab Potluck at work

A few years ago we started doing potlucks at work. The first year I told everyone that we would do a Gag Gift exchange for our Christmas potluck. I am the only female in the Labs in my building, and I have to be honest, several of the guys complained about having to do the gag gift exchange. Now they all love it, and we have alot of fun with it.

This is for you sis!

An email I got that I liked

I Believe...
That just because two people argue, doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in
a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe....
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe..
That my best friends and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When
you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've
had, and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how
many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced
who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change
your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally
different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who
don't even know you.


I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you........you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.


I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Appreciate Your Calling

So I just got the book, Starting Your Day Right, a devotion book by Joyce Meyers and I love it. I find that it gives me focus in the morning and reminds me to be the best me I can. In the book she starts by saying that the book isn’t a replacement for Gods Word, but that the book is to give you direction and to remind you that you need to have God clearly insight in order to follow him. If we don’t fill ourselves with the Word, how do we know how to follow him? I have to admit that I don’t spend as much time in the Word as I should. So I have been using this book to help me focus, and really get in the Word rather than just reading threw it.

Here is some of the devotion for October 26th.
Appreciate Your Calling

So we, numerous as we are, are only body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts of another [mutually dependent on one another]. Romans 12:5

Learn to appreciate the call of God on your life. He has a different call for everybody. None of us are called to do all the work that needs to be done, but we can each enjoy the assignments given. We can also enjoy the work God does through others.

Today holds an opportunity to mature in the knowledge of God and to enjoy whatever God has called you to-do. Your part is needed. Ask God early in the day to show you where to use your gifts to help others.

When I read this it reminded me of the Ministry I am involved in at church. And really applies to all ministry. We are all ministers of the word. As the devotion says, God hasn’t called one-person to-do it all. Take the First Impressions Ministry for example. God has called a group of men and women to work together. Some have been called to serve as Greeters, Ushers or at Vision Central; others have been called to serve in Security or the Parking Team. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Lately I had to admit I couldn’t do something. This was a great learning experience for me. Even thought I lead up the First Impression Ministry, it doesn’t mean I have to know everything, or have the ability to do it all. I have my own strengths, and I have weaknesses. God has put people in the First Impressions Ministry who have strengths were my weaknesses are. We work together. Like Romans 12:5 says, So we, numerous as we are, are only body in Christ and individually we are parts of another. This applies to ministries within the church. Some of us are called to minister to children. It’s not a competition of who has the most volunteers in your ministry. We should all want to help each other find what our calling is. When we find our calling, the body comes together as one, and works like a well-oiled machine, so to speak. This applies to churches as well. If we are trying to reach the lost, and share the Word with those who don’t know Jesus; it can’t be one church, it has to be all of us. It’s not a competition. We can enjoy the work he does through others as well.

God also does this in our lives. He puts people in our lives, and we balance out each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Enjoy and press on with what God has called you today. If you don’t know what your calling is, pray, give and serve, and pray, give and serve, and follow his word. If you are faithful and follow him in all the ways he asks you to, he will bless you and reveal your calling when the time is right. Your part is needed. The body can’t function as 100% without and arm or a leg. Are you the arm or leg? We need you. I am needed! Look at your neighbor and say, "I am needed!" Sorry couldn't resist, lol.

Happy 13th Birthday Adam!!

I can't believe my son is 13 years old. Enjoy the slide show with pics from the last 13 years. Lots of good times, and lots more to come.

If we are the body

I haven't blogged in a while. I felt a message in my spirit last week, and wanted to write about it, but it didn't really come together. Then as I listened to my Pastors message on Sunday, it all came together, and I sat down it is just started flowing.

Last week as I was listening to the radio I heard the song, If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns. I have heard this song a ton of times, but I heard it in a different way last week. I have heard people refer to Christians as the body of Christ, but I thought it referred to us as a body of people, like a group of people. With this frame of mind, I heard the song as we are the believers, and why isn't Jesus' arms reaching me, why aren't his hands healing me, why aren't his words teaching me. This is a very selfish way of hearing this, and as I think of this, I wonder if this is how a lot of us think, as a matter of fact, I am positive this is how a lot of us think. Sunday my Pastors sermon really brought all of this together. As "Church People", we feel we are entitled to something, like we are owed something. Like my Pastor said, we deserve Hell, it's because of the blood of Jesus that covers me, that we have his grace and are forgiven.

Last week when I listened to this song, this is what I heard:
If we are the body, (we are his arms, legs, hands and heart),
why aren't his arms reaching (our arms are his arms, so why aren't we reaching the lost),
why aren't his hands healing(instead of passing judgment and hurting others, lets accept them and help them heal),
why aren't his words teaching(our words should always reflect him, why are we quick to point out someone’s faults, and tell them everything they are doing wrong, lets teach them how God wants us to live, lets let our words always reflect his love, lets teach them the word),
why aren't his feet going (our feet are his feet, why do we sit on our couch and in service and take, take, take, but not get out and serve, go the distance, go out and find the lost),
why is his love not showing them there is the way (we need to show the love of Jesus to those who do know him, and those who don't know him. We can't be nice to those at church and hateful to the lost because you feel like they aren't living right. And we can't be nice to the lost to reach them, and then be hateful to "church people", because how you act, even if you think no one is looking, is always on display. We have to show them there is a way).

As a church, as the body (Jesus is apart of us) why aren't our arms reaching the lost? Why aren't our hands healing those who have so much hurt in their lives. Jesus was about love, acceptance and forgiveness, why do I see so much hate, judgment, and unforgiveness in "Church People"! Church is scary for someone who comes broken and hurt. They are afraid of the pointing fingers, just like the song says, "It's crowded in worship today, As she slips in, Trying to fade into the faces, The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know, Farther than they know", "A traveler is far away from home, He sheds his coat, And quietly sinks into the back row, The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances, Are better out on the road" It's sad, but sometimes that is exactly what they find. Pointing fingers, whispered words in there direction. Is this how we reach the lost, is this how Jesus reached the lost, No! We have to get our heart right. People are afraid of being judged by “Church People”, not the world. If we judge them, they will feel safer in the world, something is wrong when that is the case. We have to offer them a safe place. Sometimes a simple, "hi, how are you?" can mean so much to someone.

I believe strongly that our actions influence others; we say we are Christians but do our actions display our beliefs. It's not about how often we come to church, or about the fact that we volunteer our time to the church, or the bumper sticker on the back of our car. It's about how we live our lives, how we treat others, and the relationship we have with God when no one is looking.

“Jesus paid much too high a price for us to pick and choose who should come, and we are the Body of Christ”

Sunday at my church, when the alter call was given and people responded, I just kept hearing “healing” in my spirit. There was healing taken place because we offered love (the love of Jesus), acceptance (no one pointed fingers), and forgiveness (come how you are, we are all sinners who have been saved by the blood of Jesus).


If We Are the Body
By: Casting Crowns

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road

CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ

Chorus (2x)
If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus is the way

Every Friday and Saturday in October

Come check out this Haunted House. I will be there helping out every Friday and Saturday in October from 8-1am. See you there.

Hysteria Promo from Jason Isaacs on Vimeo.

Accessorizing your look with jewelry

http://www.azfamily.com/yourlife/learn/stories/accessorizing-clothes-jewelry.7155a36d.html

Check out the link to see how you can change up your look and really jazz up an outfit with the right Jewelry.

Contact me to recieve some Jewelry FREE. My average hostess earns about $200 in Free Jewelry for having me over to show my Jewelry to some of her friends and family.

Come to church with me Sunday

Wow, I have been going to New Vision for 5 years this month. Sunday we will have our first service in our new location, The Vision, across from Jefferson Mall in the old Walmart building. Service is at 10:30am. I invite you to come join me and see the place that helped to teach me about God, and showed me that I can have hope and peace, and that there is a church that offers Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. If you don't believe me, I dare you to come check it out for yourself. This church has impacting me and my family. I hope to see you there.

9/11

8 years ago, I was back at work for the first day from my maternity leave after having Alex. We got a phone call letting us know about the terror attacks. I will never forget that day, and my prayers continue to go out to the families and friends who grieve for there loved ones who were lost that day.

Alex says...

Alex: I think I'm going to get a new girlfriend.

Me: well, how are you going to do that?

Alex: I don't know, I will ask Adam for advice...no wait.. I will ask Dad because Adam doesn't have a girlfriend.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

25 Years Together

My parents renewed there wedding vows this weekend for there 25th wedding anniversary. My dad wanted to do something special for my mom this year for there anniversary, so a few months ago, he asked my mom to marry him again. When my parents were married 25 years ago, they went to the court house and were married by a judge. So they never had a wedding. So me and my sisters helped my mom plan her wedding. All the planning paid off because it was definitely a day to remember. The sanctuary was decorated in purple and silver, and it was filled with our family and friends. Me and my sisters along with our husbands and kids walked down the aisle before my parents walked down to Then by Brad Paisley. Pastor David conducted the ceremony, and my parents said there vows. Curtis and Charmain Bridgemen sang Bless this Broken Road by Rascal Flatts while a photo slide show played with pics from the past 25 years. Stacey and Will read a poem. Once my parents were pronounced once again as husband and wife, they walked back down the aisle to Footloose, which was there first date. We had a dinner reception, and my parents cut the cake and had there first dance. Me and my sisters toasted to my parents, and then we danced and had a great time celebrating with my parents and our family and friends. My toast to my parents. Today we celebrate 25 years of marriage between my parents. 25 year ago we also became a family. 9 years later Ashley was born, and over the next 16 years our family was complete with the addition of 2 son in laws and 4 grand kids. Daddy, A lot of people say that mommy is the best thing that ever happened to you, and that is probably true, but I want you to know that you are the best thing that ever happened to us. So today I honor you as a couple and as my parents. My dad meet my mom when me and my sister were just a few years old. I have watched my parents grow in there love for each other, and it really does seem like they love each other more and more each day. They are amazing parents, and role models for me and my sisters. They love with all they have, and would do anything for you. I can honestly say that I have the best parents I could ever ask for. I love you mom and dad.

my boys

Alex put his Sunglasses on, looked at Little Adam and said, "you might have to fight the girls off of me."

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He blessed me with Jewelry and so much more.

As some of you know I am an Independent Distributor for Premier Designs Jewelry. I just started my 6th year as a Jeweler. I do Premier part time. I love the flexibility and the fact that I make great money for fun work. I get to take my Jewelry and share if with a hostess and her friends and family and I make 50%. You can't beat that. Well it does get better, my hostesses earn on average $200-$300 in free Jewelry. I came across this post on a blog and had to post it on my blog. It sums up what Premier is all about. Premier has really been a blessing. It has given me the opportunity to make extra money, meet some amazing women, and I have grown spiritually as well. Premier has helped me come out of my shell. It all started with a few pieces of Jewelry.

Premier Designs - A Different Kind of Company

y'all

I say y'all all the time and Adam hates it. He says, "babe it's you all, not y'all." I got an email and had to post this line just for him.

In the South, y'all is singular, all y'all is plural.

Love it.

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