Pete and Petey

Meet Pete and Petey, the Christmas Elves.  This year, we decided that since we don't have any children to see get excited on Christmas Day, that we would go visit kids in our church and neighborhood during the Christmas season and make our own Christmas memories.  My only regret is that we couldn't do every child that we knew.  After all that is said and done, 25 kids got something from Pete and Petey.  Due to time, some got Pete and Petey gifts in the mail.  We had a ball providing some extra Christmas for these kids.  Their excited faces and squeals of delight brought us so much joy this Christmas season.  We had more fun doing this than you will ever know.  Going to see the kids (pre-Santa Clause) was a big hit and just added excitement to their anticipation to Christmas Day.  I wish we had taken pictures of everybody, but I forgot the camera at times.  Enjoy those darling faces!!

Mark and Tracey AKA Pete and Petey

Adra was easy to buy for, because she loves Barbie.  I loved finding Barbie things for her.

 

Leah is Adra's new baby sister.  It is never hard to buy for a sweetie like her.  She did prefer Pete over Petey, and believe me...Pete ate that up with a spoon.  LOL

Chase and Mati are darlings.  She is the smartest little thing, and kept Pete and Petey entertained the whole time we were there.  Chase let me see the 10 year old little boy in him when he started pulling the candy out of the candy bag.  They didn't disappoint us in the excited department.

Emma and Wade sit in front of us in church.  I have never seen kids behave as well as they do.  They are parents dream.  They are both so sweet and polite.  Joy just overflowed as they opened their Pete and Petey gifts.

Ashley, Hunter Lane and KK were so excited that I couldn't hardly contain myself.  They were just as imagined little girls and boys on Christmas day.  It was just pure joy and delight while we were with them.

Sydney, Jenny and Zachary made our night with their smiling faces, excitement and having to use or wear their gifts right then.  It reminded me of myself.  I love it when someone likes what you get them so much, that they have to take time to open it up right then; even though there are more presents waiting.  This was this group of smiling faces.

Pete and Petey even go to The IHOP to see some kids.  Evan acted shy at first, but that was an act.  Soon he was digging through that bag with gusto.

Blake found out that Pete and Petey show up anywhere.  He was loving his gifts, and really got into looking at his goodies.  No disppointment here with smiling faces.

Ethan is our neighbor.  He just tickled me to death over his excitement over all his goodies.

 Olivia received a package in the mail from Pete and Petey.  I wish we had time to visit everyone person to person.  Thanks to her mom for sharing this picture.  She is a doll, and just makes my day when I talk to this little sweetie at church.

Davis has a great imagination.  After opening his truck, he went in his room and got his other toys to enhance this gift.  He is a handsome little guy.

Faith showed us just what a great little mommy she is going to be.  I have to admit, I love the fact that she named her doll Little Tracey.  She is a doll herself.

So what was the maddening behind the Pete and Petey deal?  Well, it had a multi fold purpose.  It was for our enjoyment.  To see those bright, loving, excited little faces as they opened gifts.  It was to tell people that mean a lot to us that we love you and love your kids....they bring joy to us.  It was to show others the love of Jesus.  After all, He is the Reason for the Season.  Thank you so much for sharing your kids with Pete and Petey this year.  We loved it more than you will ever know.

Will Be Right Back!!!

Tis the season to be Jolly!!! That is what Pete and Petey have been doing...spreading Christmas Cheer to some kids.  We are all about spreading the joy of Christmas this year, and letting everyone know that there is someone who cares.  So after we have made several more surprise visits and things settle down, we will be back to the blogging world with details.  Until then...Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!!

You Would Think!!!

This entry has sat empty for over a month now.  I did the title and accidently published, but never blogged.  The title says it all...you would think!!!  I set out to got to the PO, bank, insurance office and DMV.  After the PO, bank and insurance office was closed, you would think that I would have noticed a pattern....but NO.  I went on to the DMV to find it closed, and that it was Veteran's Day.  You would think that after finding three things closed, that I might have figured it out...you would think!!!

I'm Back!!!

I am sitting in the doctor's office waiting to be seen, and realized that this was the perfect time to catch up all my fans (hahahhaa) on my incredible life. Man, was that ever a funny statement. I spent all last week at home, and literally tried to cram everything I could in a few days. I spent 2 nights teaching people how to sell on Ebay. These classes were held at our church. I pray that the information that I flew out to them really helped them. Ebay is such a great way to make extra money or make a living. It is according to how much you want to work.

Then Dish Network comes and installs us some TV. No kind of TV for a year and a half. While I have not missed watching senseless non-funny sitcoms, I have missed the weather. I also love Swamp Loggers and American Pickers. So now we can DVR them and have something decent to watch.

I found myself at the salon to get a perm in the old mop. I love my hair dresser, Becky Lee. I have so much fun going there. As a matter of fact, I went twice last week. I also went with my friend, Kelly, to get her perm. We spent the day together having some girl time.

Thursday, mom had heart cath and the balloon procedure done. She had to spend the night and my aunt Carolyn stayed with her. She is still having some problems, so I think changing Cardiologist is in her future. Mark and I went over to grill them up some food on Saturday. A small thing to do to help them out.

Sunday started our revival at church, and it got me pumped up. 4 received Christ that morning, and one of those was my hair dresser's son. It was a fantastic service. We had a fellowship dinner that night and revival continues through Wednesday.

Monday we found ourselves getting Mark's labs done and doing a little shopping in town before revival. I also mailed out Squawker's McCaw. The FurReal animal that I bought at a yard sale for $5. He sold for a whooping $91. I wrapped him up good and tight.

Then back to Moore County on Tuesday, but not before I have a good scare. Woke up with the left side of my face numb and swollen. That is mainly why I am sitting in the doctor's office now.

The verdict is in...sinus infection, both ears infection, strep throat and the nerve in my face is infected. All thi cancels our traveling trip for this weekend. Regardless to being sick...I am back in the blogging world.

Never Caught Up!!!

I haven't blogged in so long.  I feel like I am never caught up anymore on anything.  I have been typing up notes on an Ebay class that I am teaching this coming weekend.  I have been getting things ready to go home tomorrow as I will be gone a week.  I am involved in a yard sale on Saturday with some friends.  Mark is singing at both services on Sunday.  I am teaching the Ebay class on Sunday and Monday.  Dish Network is coming to install on Monday.  Tuesday I am getting a perm plus mom and I are going to The Melting Pot for some dessert.  Mom is having major eye surgery on Wednesday.  Mark needs to get his blood checked this week.  I need to go to a few stores while I am home.  I have packed a lot into the week that I will be home.  Then the last of October, we will be in SC with Mark preaching and me doing my comedy routine.  A jam packed month...I love staying busy though.  This blog is not really about anything, as I just realized that.  I do have some great things on Ebay, and can't wait to see how they will do.  Lilly is getting groomed, and I have to go to the grocery store and pick up my produce box.  Tootles!!!

Dinner on the Grounds!!

Charles Kuralt did a segment about dinner on the grounds on the NC is My Home video many years ago. I am talking about real dinner on the grounds. Not people crowded up in a fellowship hall, but everyone out in the open air shooing flies and watching the kids run and play. Today was homecoming at our church, and that is just what we had...dinner on the grounds. Out under our picnic shelter and big bright tents that were erected. Fried chicken piled high, huge pots of chicken and pastry, fried okra, casseroles of every kind, mounds of potato salad and more desserts than I could count. As good as the food was today, the fellowship amongst God's people was even sweeter. We gathered outside after hearing a soul stirring message (if your soul wasn't stirred...check it). New people joining the church. Oh yes, it was a good day. A celebration, a gathering...no, a homecoming. There is nothing quite like a homecoming at church.

Catching Up!!!

We left on September 24th to go home and celebrate our 18th anniversary.  We went to church that morning, then it was off to The Melting Pot at 12 for our celebration.  We both enjoyed it, although you have to cook your own food.  We chose the Big Night Out that had the lobster...I had never had lobster except in lobster cakes.  We also chose the fiesta cheese fondue and the snicker bar chocolate for dessert.  Our server, Marie, was very nice and tentative to us.  They seat you in a very private booth, which I loved.  We loved it and would go back.  Except next time I think that we will just get the entree...4 courses is way too much. 

We took our own picture with the blackberry

 Cooking our vegetables and meat

Our cheese fondue

                                                          The Snickers Chocolate

Dipping a strawberry

Monday the 27th started with the torrential downpour.  It rained so hard and for so long all week.  We hit a puddle on Monday and the force of the water knocked a belt off our van.  Pictures say more than I could about this flooding...except fire ants tried to take up residency in our house.

 our back yard

 our side yard about 2 minutes before the next photo below was taken

our side yard

 down the street

a house down the street



We finally made it back to Moore County on Sunday October 3rd.  After trying to figure out how to get here as there were reports of roads closed everywhere.  I started today off by going and doing some couponing.

This was my Rite Aid purchases.  I used several wellness $, or whatever they are called, plus I had some save $5 off YNO.  After all coupons were used, I spent a big whooping $4.91.  I also received $13.50 in Wellness $, or whatever they are called.

This was my Walgreens purchase, except my ink cartridge is missing (I put it up before the picture)...which I had a coupon to get free.  The Reynold's Wrap ended up being .14 each after their coupon and my manufacturing coupon.  The razors were free as well as the V8 juice.  I spent $2.06 at Walgreens for all this and the ink cartridge.  I did use some Register Rewards, plus I received $12 in Register Rewards to use another time.  These were coupons that I bought off Ebay, and they came from up north and CA...they have bigger amounts off on their coupons.  The V8 coupons were $2.50 off one and I had 2 of those and Walgreens had it 2/$5.  That might be an advantage to buying coupons off Ebay.  I plan to make another run this week, so I can use my RR, before I lose them.

WOW!!! REALLY!!!

Several weeks ago, I went to a yard sale and bought some baby toys. I had planned on putting these in the box at Mark's parents house for the great grands. I did put a few in there, but decided to sell the rest on Ebay. In this lot of toys(ages 6 months & up), there were a few Disney, Fisher Price, Playwell and a lot of no name brands. I paid $8 for all the toys even the few I put in the toy bucket. I thought if I just double my money, I would be happy. Then I did calculating shipping (you put in how much it weighs & it calculates for the zip code of the customer), and I was shocked to see that to ship it within my own zip code was almost $8. I figured that I would ever double my money with shipping being so high (those toys weighed a lot). The bidding on the toys ended today and they sold for (drum roll please) $40.99. I couldn't believe it. There were over a dozen toys in this lot. They are in very excellent used condition, some looked brand new. Altogether the buyer is paying a little over $51 for these toys. Which I found out is a real bargain...one toy retails for $20 by itself. I am teaching a class on how to sell on Ebay soon at my church, so if you are planning on attending get in that attic and see what you have. You never know how much someone is willing to pay for your nice junk...I mean stuff. LOL

I'd Do It All Over Again!!!

18 years ago I said two little words that changed my life forever. "I Do". I would say them again in a heart beat to Mark. Thanks for loving me and for a wonderful 18 years.

Heritage!!!

I have spent the better part of the day scanning pictures. I scanned a lot of Mark's baby's pictures today, so I can make him a childhood book. I also scanned pictures of my family. These were old pictures, and some really told a story. I loved not only looking at the people in the photos, but also the surroundings in the photo. There were old cars, tobacco fields, hand pumps and beloved pets. My biggest regret is that I was too young to take advantage of their stories. I love listening to stories of the olden days. I am not sure that I would have made it living back then. I love the internet and AC. I love the closeness of family and neighbors helping neighbors back then. I scanned several pictures of my great grandmother today. I was only 8 when she died, too young to relish in her stories. She was born in the 1800's, and I would love to hear how she dealt with technology changing. We each have a heritage that we are proud of. I am just trying to preserve mine through pictures and what stories I do know.

Cleaning Out!!

After all the couponing I have done this past week, my house is over flowing. That gave me the perfect reason to get rid of some things. My friend Amanda takes stuff to the local consignment shop. So I gathered up a box of items and took it over to the shop. The thing I like is that they tell you whether they will or will not take an item and why. She took all my items except 2 things. Then I realized I had clothes in the car that I was going to get rid of, and she took them as well. I named over more things I had at home, and she was interested. I can't wait to bring another box to the shop. All these things are too hard to sell on Ebay. I don't like to ship breakable items. Well, this weekend I will clean out and bring more to sell

Filled to the Rim!!!

This past week, I have been couponing like crazy with Harris Teeter doing super doubles. My coupon queens have taught me well. I have a refrigerator full of yogurt that I got free. My pantry is so full that I am going to have to put some canned goods in a tote. Besides saving money, I am trying to get stocked up for the winter. We don't go out and eat much in the winter. We stay home and eat lots of soup. Also, I didn't want to have a big grocery bill around the holidays. Our finally tally this week is that we spent $100 for $402 worth of groceries. I even did well at Food Lion this week with using my coupons at face value. Some things were at a close out price and using the coupon at face value made it free. I am going to give some to the food bank. I don't like some stuff I got, but it was free. I also found out today that Food Lion pulls produce that is going out of date, and donates it to our local soup kitchen. That is wonderful. I am a novice when it comes to couponing, but I am learning.

Box of Veggies!!!

I got my first box of fall veggies yesterday.  I was really pleased with what I got.  They asked if I wanted to swap anything out, but this was my first box and I wanted to keep everything.  Everything in the box is something that I like.  We got:  bib lettuce, 2 bell peppers, 5 apples, 5 peaches, 2 tomatoes, 3 white sweet potatoes, 3 regular sweet potatoes, 1 lb of grapes and an acorn squash.  May not sound a lot for the money I spent, but I spent $3 on 3 apples at the grocery store last week.  I think it is a good deal, plus we are helping our local farmers.  I can't wait to roast that squash and those sweet potatoes.  I am happy :-)

My vegetable and fruits from my co-op box







Making a Living!!!

On September 10th, I blogged about the things that I found at a yard sale, to put on Ebay to make some money. I spent $1.75 for all the items, and my profit was $16.75. My vintage dutch shoe didn't sell, which suited me find. I kind of wanted in for my collection. Neither one of the games sold either. That is fine as well. The Discovery Toys games will be added to the toy bucket here at Peepa's, and the music game will be a Christmas present. I mean, it is still sealed and brand new. A Christmas present for a quarter is hard to beat. You see, everything doesn't always sell. In a good economy that vintage shoe would have done well, but people aren't spending money for non essential items anymore. The Fisher Price Little People was the winner in this lot...sold for over $16. Plus the Tupperware Cruets did very well also. Ebay still brought me a nice profit even though everything didn't sell. I am only out .30 (which I took out of my profit total) in Ebay listing fees for my items that didn't sell. Still not a bad way to make a living.

Angels!!!

On this day 16 years ago, the Lord looked down and decided He needed 2 more beautiful angels in heaven. He took two precious babies home with Him, our twin girls, Hannah and Faith. They have been missed, but never forgotten. I often wonder what they would have looked like now, or whose personality they would have. I wonder how different our life would have been if they had lived. There's a lot of wondering going on at times. There is one thing I am certain of though, that I will see them again in heaven. I just hope God will let me hold them just for a little while.

Hannah Hope & Faith McRae
September 15, 1994

Ebay Update!!

A week ago I blogged about finding 3 children's DVD's at the thrift store for $1 each. They sold today, and my profit was $18.09. That is after the ebay fees, paypal fees and of course my $3 that I paid for them. Just another testimony that selling on Ebay can make you some extra cash.

Mission Accomplished!!!

For almost 18 years, okay maybe not that long, but ever since DVD' came out; I have wanted my wedding video put on a DVD. That was finally accomplished this week. Mark put our wedding video on a DVD. We watched the whole ceremony. I probably should wait and blog about this on our anniversary (the 26th of this month), but I want to talk about it now. I loved looking at the people who attended our wedding. Some are no longer with us anymore. I remember the nervous feeling I had that day, plus the excitement I felt. We both laughed at things in the video, or how long the song we picked out ended up being. My favorite song that was sung, "Forever's As Far As I'll Go" by Alabama. One verse says, "when there's gray in my hair and age around your eyes...". How appropriate now (that is not so funny). It was a lovely thing to do, watching yourself commit to one another almost 18 years ago. We told each other that we still loved and cherished the other. I am so glad to have to have this memories preserved again.

Mistakes & Errors!!

I often write my blog in the wee hours of the morning when I suddenly find myself awake. Also, about 80% of my blogs are written on my blackberry, which has very tiny keys. I say all this because as I reread my post, I see lots of mistakes and errors in them. Some misspelled words and some have missing words. I have also realized that even though I know the difference between "there" and "their", my writing doesn't reflect it at all times. There are probably some mistake (or more) in each post.

That is the way my life is as well. I make mistakes everyday. I say things I shouldn't, do things I ought not to do and in general just flub up. Not sure that flub is a word or that I have it spelled correctly. Also, let me say that I don't do things intentional, but I am human. I am not without mistakes and errors, but I serve a God who is perfect. Even though I strive everyday to be more like Him, I fail miserably, but that doesn't mean that I just give up. I just try harder everyday. Watch me closely and I will stumble and fall, but I serve a God who is there to pick me up. I love it as I sing, "I'm just a sinner saved by GRACE.".

Loving it!!

We left the early service at church today with all intentions of going to Hardee's and getting a biscuit. Well, plans are made to be changed. We found ourselves at Cracker Barrel, and boy was I glad we went. They were having their annual porch sale going on...80% off. I was so elated. I started picking up everything that I saw. Some beanie babies, DVD'S, jewelry and lots more. All of it going on Ebay this week after shopping, we went in and ate. We had the Sunday fried chicken and it was delicious. What a nice surprise to find all those bargains. Can't wait to start listing things on Ebay.

NEVER FORGET!!!

I will never forget where I was at the day that changed our nation for the first time in my lifetime.  We were pastoring Midway in Columbus, NC.  We had The Today show on, and I thought I had heard Katie and Matt wrong, but I didn't.  I remember the fear I had, and later the feeling of unity as our church came together and prayed.  May we never forget those who died that day, nor their families who still suffer a loss.  That day I lost a little security, but I still have my loved ones.

Pennsylvania 9/11...."Let's Roll"

The Pentagon

World Trade Center, NYC

MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

Went out to Eat, and hit the Jackpot!!!

This evening we decided to go out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants.  We went early, because on Friday night you can't move in that restaurant.  Well, I am so glad we did.  Mark's aunt was having a yard sale, and did I load up. Not only for things to sell on Ebay, but things for me as well.  I got a bible cover and one of those pocket books with the bible verse on the front for .50 each.  We also got new porch lights still in the box for $7...I wanted brass, but for $7 these black ones will do real nicely.  Then after eating Mark's second or third cousin was having a yard sale.  We stopped really more for Mark's dad, who has dementia, to get to visit for a while.  I hit pay dirt again.  More Ebay items.  I came home and started listing like crazy.  Everything pictured below cost me a grand total of $1.75.  I will blog and let you know how it did on Ebay.  WOOHOO!!! I hit the jackpot tonight.

Dutch Style Shoe made in Japan.  Things made in Japan are usually a great seller.  She threw this in for FREE.

16 Vintage Fisher Price Little People.  Came in a bag with wooden blocks....all for a quarter

Brand New Ultimate Music Quiz Game for a quarter

Discovery Toys Opposite Pairs Game for a quarter

Two Vintage Tupperware Cruets...never used for $1

Great Finds!!

We have been in Moore County now for 2 hours, and I have already hit the thrift store. I didn't expect much since I didn't arrive on the day they opened. They open up for the week on Wednesday, and that is the day you can find the best stuff. I did find 3 kids DVD's. They were marked $2 each, but the lady let me have them all for $3. I came right home and put them on Ebay. I will let you know how they did. I also got Mark a nice pair of dress pants. The lady was taking them out of a dry cleaning bag. They were only $2. What some great finds.

Yucky Yuck!!!

I am still at home thanks to the yucky yucks. Mark has been sick again. This is the third time he has gotten sick. Each time is when we have been home a few days. I don't know what else to do. We have washed all bedding, changed tooth brushes, sprayed Lysol every where and used Clorox clean up every where. Whatever this germ is, it seems to stick around. Praying that Mark feels better and we get back on schedule.

Profitable!!

Several blogs ago, I showed you three things that I bought at the thrift store to resell on Ebay. Well, here is how those things did this past week.

Toddler Shoes-bought for .50. Sold for $5.01.

Mary Kay Cleanser-bought for $1. Sold for $9.

2 bottles Clinque Lotion-bought for .20. Sold for $1.98.

I spent $1.70 on these items at the thrift store and all together they sold for $15.99. Not a bad profit for about 10 minutes of work looking through the thrift store. You don't always find resell items everyday, but I have found some nice things for us. I bought 2 new wooden shutters for our kitchen one time for $2 each, and they were new in the box. I wore a pair of pink sandals Sunday that I found for $3. They were new in the box as well. There is some really good things at the thrift stores. Some days you find junk, but then sometimes there are real treasures to be found.

Prayers!!!

I ask everyone who reads this blog to pray for my friends son, Jonathan Paluck. He is in pediatric ICU at Chapel Hill. He has had bleeding in the lungs and kidney failure. Things changed during the night and he is critical. Please pray for him and his family. There is power in prayer.

Savings + Birthday!!!

Now I have become obsessed with coupons. I went to Dollar General this weekend and bought only cleaning supplies. I saved $22.50. I now have lots of washing detergent, softener, dish detergent and air freshener. Then I went to the grocery store for milk, and ribeyes were on sale; so I bought some. Since I had already broke my challenge of not shopping this month, I decided to shop a little. I saved $29.45 in coupons at Food Lion. I used my internet coupons with no problem. Okay, now I am on a roll.

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. Since one of her presents from me and Mark was a gift card from Belk's, I thought we would go shopping before dinner. Once again, the Red Dot sale didn't disappoint. Mom found lots of things as well as myself. I do think that Belk's in SP had marked things down cheaper than in Wilmington. Don't be fooled, that didn't stop me from buying. I found a cute pair of sandals that were regular $39.00, but rang up $2.98 (I had to double check my receipt). I got Mark tee shirts for less than $3. I was definitely in my element.

After shopping we took mom to Midtown Seafood (her choice), and I was glad. We ate an undisclosed amount of crab legs. She and I already planned on getting the crab legs, and they were so yummy. Key Lime pie for dessert finished us off.

It was a great birthday celebration that was full of savings.

Busted!!!

I lost my own challenge about not going to the grocery store this month. I lasted 3 whole days. I went today to get some milk and these ribeye steaks just fell into my buggy and begged to come home with me. Oh well, I tried...just not very hard. LOL

Armed, Organized and Ready!!!

Okay, I know I have talked about coupons all week long, but I was just so thrilled over my victory this week with them.  I have spent the better part of the week getting organized and buying my supplies to get organized.  It was kind of expensive for me to get organized....I always seem to gravitate to the more expensive things in the store.   I got a lime green binder...it has lots of little nooks and crannies for things...I loved that about it (that might be why the binder was $10...YIKES!!)

I put things into categories according to how I shop and we eat.  Like cereal and snacks are a category.  The reason for this is because we eat a lot of dry cereal (we look like over grown toddlers with our Fruit Loops LOL) and we eat cereal as a snack at night.  Very rarely do we eat it for breakfast.  I also made a tab for restaurant coupons and store rewards, such as register rewards at Walgreens and Care Bucks at CVS.  I am forever losing these.  I am also thinking about making a category for receipts...that way I can take advantage of rebates.  I am not sure about this yet as my binder has several pockets that these could go into. 

Anywho, I am now armed, organized and ready to take on the grocery stores, drug stores and whoever else takes coupons.  I even printed off every stores coupon policy and put it in my binder...oh yeah, I am ready for you.

My lime green binder

My tabs....I am getting organized

Look how nice and neat those coupons are

Didn't Last!!

I just got an email from HT with my e-vic items listed. Let's just say that I will be breaking my rule of no grocery shopping for the month of September sometime this weekend. The savings is unbelievable plus I have coupons. The spirit was willing, but the flesh is soooo weak.

Bargains Everywhere!!

Yesterday was my great day of bargain hunting.  I started off at the Whispering Pines Thrift store, where I spent a cool $6.  I got Mark 2 Ralph Lauren shirts (they look brand new), a brand new ice cream scoop, New Mary Kay Cleanser, 2 new bottles of Clinque Clarifying lotion, toddler shoes, a cookbook, 2 mysteries and a box of cards.  The Mary Kay Cleanser, Clinque lotion and toddler shoes are all on Ebay. 

Toddler Shoes...for a quarter

Clinque Clairfying Lotion...20 cents

                                            Mary Kay Cleanser....$1

Then it was off to Walgreens where I had some coupons from their flier and some that I printed off the internet this morning.  My challenge this month was not to go grocery shopping, and so far I haven't been in the grocery store, so technically I think that I am still okay. 

These are the items I got at Walgreens.  Somehow, I got the reuse bag free...not sure why though.   Every thing was free after coupons and register rewards except one roll of tape.  My final bill was $1.06.  Plus I got $3 in register rewards.  I even got me some more tabs to organize my coupons in this load.  I am pretty much stocked up on packaging tape now....I have 10 rolls. LOL

After leaving Walgreens, I decided to stop in at Belk's....so glad I did.  They went to 80% off today in Southern Pines.  I had blouses ringing up $1.98 and skirts for $4.98.  I spent a total of  $31.72 and saved $354.65.  I got 5 blouses and 2 skirts.  I would show you a picture, but they have already been packed.  My Pender County friends, you will see these clothes at church the next several Sundays.  LOL  I was so excited as the cashier rang my items up...she kept shouting, "oh my, that was only $1.98."  She was kind of more excited than me at some point.

All in all, not a bad day in my shopping word and I didn't break my challenge and go grocery shopping.   Can't wait to see how much my finds will make me on Ebay...will let you know.

In General!!

It is around 2:30 am as I write this blog, so who knows where this will lead. LOL. I have been scrolling around on the old blackberry trying to find out what hurricane Earl is going to do. That is the bad thing about traveling back and forth...figuring out the weather at each place. With the weather, you never know. I just hope that he doesn't make landfall and the weather people are correct in their assumptions.

I went to Walmart yesterday and bought my binder, pages and tabs
to organize my coupons. I spent much of the evening getting those organized and I still haven't finished. I went through and cut more coupons. I still don't cut out the ones that we won't use, which seems to be a lot. We are not going to be using an ept pregnancy test nor kool aid coupons. So now I am armed and ready. I also picked up a cute pair of winter shoes while at Walmart.

Then I was off to Bed Bath & Beyond. I was armed with a 20% off coupon, courtesy of Paula Deen's magazine. I picked up a nice set of hand towels for our bathroom. I also found some nice fall leaf place mats. I browsed through the clearance bins, but nothing jumped out at me.

I finally ended up at Walgreens to buy packaging tape. They have a coupon this week for it, making it .99 a roll. I use so much of this with ebay. I got 3 more rolls (I went Sunday and got 3 rolls). I have another coupon, so I may go again tomorrow.

I plan later today to take some books and magazines to the library to donate. I have several books in the series I am reading now waiting on me there. I am reading the Penn Dutch Inn series by Tamar Myers. I love it, but lately other things have been occupying my time.

I am suddenly getting sleepy, so I won't fight it any longer. Tootles!!!

Trying it Again!!!

Coupons!!! I know they work, Amanda is living proof they work. I mean how else can you get $160 worth of items for less than a quarter. Even this past week I bought 5 bottles of dish detergent, 1 bottle of washing detergent and 1 bottle of fabric softener for $3.75 after coupons. These items would have normally cost me $17.35 without the coupons. So you see, I know using coupons work to save money. I just don't keep this strategy of saving money very long. Anywho, now for my big news. I am buying a binder and sheet pockets (or whatever the heck they are called. I know them when I see them) and start organizing my coupons. I ran into a couple of chicks (Angie & Kelly, I thought chicks made us sound cool) from my church at CVS this week. She had her binder out all organized and looked ready to attack those bargains. So I decided to quit stalling and get organized to save some money. I have a whole month since I am not going to the grocery store the whole month of September. I doubt I will keep that challenge (I will let you know when I break down). So wish me luck as I save tons of money on groceries and other items.

The Last Day!!!

I came up with a dandy plan for this coming month. For the whole month of September, I won't buy any groceries. Well, for the exception of eggs, bread, milk and of course some peanuts to boil. I have spent the last several weeks organizing my pantry shelves. I have bought and used coupons to stock up, plus we start in September getting our co-op box of veggies. My main worry is..I wonder how long I will last at this challenge. I love munchie food, which I haven't stocked up on too much. We can go out to eat, just not to the grocery store. I hope that I don't have a junk food attack during the month of September. Stay tuned to know if and when I break this challenge.

No Receipt..No Problem!!

I had to return a printer this weekend to Walmart. There was just one tiny problem, I didn't have my receipt. I have every other receipt that I have gotten from Walmart in the last 6 months except for this one. I actually think that it was the one I threw away and then dumped left over tuna salad in the same bag. YUCK!! Anywho, I thought I would just take my chances and see what happened. I had talked myself out of purchasing another printer (this one was broke). I went in with my printer along with my receiptless self. The lady was very nice. She asked if I paid by check. If yes, then she could look my receipt up no problem. I even had my duplicate check and the number. I thought how cool and easy. WRONG!!! Me having the check...EASY!! Them looking it up...not so easy. Then she wanted to know which register I checked out of. WHAT!!! That was 2 weeks ago, how do I know. I wanted to remark, "one of the only 2 that were open.". Seems that they only way they can trace your check is to go to each individual register and look the check up. How long would that take? Too long for me. I opted for a gift card instead. It actually worked out better. We were going to get gas (it was 2.47 a gal) and with the gift card you get an additional 3 cent off a gallon. No sweat!! The next time I write a check though, I am going to write the register number on the duplicate just in case.

Cookie Monster!!!

The last few weeks has found me baking cookies.  Not for us to eat...okay I kept a dozen or so.  I made these for business' who help make my life easier.  As you know, we stay part time with my father in law who has dementia.  This can be challenging in several ways...not just dealing with the dementia, but also helping deal with his everyday life and affairs.  I gave the girls at the bank and big platter of cookies, because they know the situation and they let me help with his banking.  I watch him closely and when he forgets something...I step in.  The girls at the bank are wonderful.  They have made my life easier as dementia takes a little more of his mind every day.  Next went a platter to the post office.  These guys have been so nice to me since I have been here.  They have been really helpful in sending out my ebay packages.  They have given me pointers to keep shipping cost lower and saved a few boxes for me.  Next came the library.  The librarian has chased down books that I want to read and has offered a great friendship.  We talk about our situation, she is in the same boat with her mom.  Then there is the pharmacy.  Our pharmacy staff has been so helpful and gone beyond the call of duty to help us.  Not only have they provided great medical advice, but they have become a haven to have some much needed girl talk.  I am grateful for the time they spend talking with me as I take a break from the house.  The cookie monster showed up with just a simple treat to show them how important they are in our everyday life.

And The Winner Is....

After eating at a local restaurant in town for many years, I finally won a free meal.  Russell's Seafood and Country Buffet has a page on Facebook.  Every person that becomes a fan gets put into a drawing.  I was probably in the top 10 people who first became a fan on Facebook.  They have a great buffet.  When dining there, I feast on chicken, deviled crab, grilled tilapia, shrimp,chicken and dumplings, fried squash, yeast rolls, peach cobbler and fried okra to name a few.  They have great vegetables that is seasoned like you do at home.  Grandma would definitely eat here without compliant.  It is really that good.  I won a free buffet dinner in the drawing today.  I can hardly wait to go and use my certificate.  Thanks Mr. Larry Russell, owner, for a great restaurant with great food and a good family atmosphere.  If you haven't eaten there before, go on over and sample their delicious food.  Located on Hwy 22 in Southern Pines.

Mr. Larry Russell, owner of Russell's Seafood and Country Buffet

Giving Back!!!

We took this past Monday morning to take our donation of school supplies over to Rocky Point Primary.  Every year, we donate school supplies to a school to help them out.  There are two reasons for doing this.  One is to help the teacher's have their rooms stocked for when a student is in need, and in memory of our twin girls, Hannah and Faith.  They would have been juniors in high school this year.  This is just a small way to give back.  A friend of ours gave me this idea about 10 years ago.  He had a son that had died, and every year they help children at Christmas in memory of their son.  They spend what they would have spent on him at Christmas and help make Christmas happen for those who are less fortunate.  I know we would have spent more on our girls than these school supplies totaled, but it is just a way to show that we care about others and that our daughters are real (the were still born).  I got to meet the principal and vice principal of the school.  I was so impressed with the staff that I met.  We just hope that in some small way that these supplies help make some one's year a little better, and eases some burdens off the teacher's . 

A tote full of supplies such as pencils, crayons, markers, rulers, erasers, scissors and rulers.

Our van loaded with composition books, notebook paper and book bags.

Books and More Books!!!

This month all the books I have read have either been by Carol Higgins Clark or Leslie Meier. Both are mystery writers. I love a good mystery. I have 2 more books to read by Carol Higgins Clark then I am finished with all that she has out at this time. I have lined up 2 more mystery series that I will be starting next week. The first is the Pennsylvania Dutch Inn series by Tamar Myers. The other is the crochet mysteries by Betty Hetchman. I am looking forward to starting another series by a new author. I pre-ordered Nicholas Sparks new book "Safe Haven" and it will shipped September 14th. I look forward to getting that book. If you know of a great mystery series, let me know. I also have read Joann Fluke's books and Laura Levine's in the last several books. I love to read. The more (books) the merrier I am.

Please Santa...Don't Bring!!!

I have purged my closet in the last several weeks. This weekend I reorganized my dresser drawers. To my surprise and a little to my horror, I have 40 pairs of underwear. LOL. I couldn't believe it...I recounted to make sure. This is not including all that I have in Moore County. What an interesting fact. So please Santa don't bring me any underwear this year.

Doggone It!!

We stopped at a Food Lion on the way home today. I sit in the van as Mark runs in the store. A truck pulls in front of us a couple of spaces over. The driver sits there for a while, then gets out. No sooner is he in the store this car pulls up behind his truck. This woman gets out of the car goes over to his truck and starts trying to put her hand down the window. I am intrigued now, and start to watch. She then goes back to the car where the drive has whipped out her cell phone and they are getting this man's license plate number. The elderly man comes out (riding in a motorized wheelchair). The car with the ladies leave. I don't usually say anything, but something compelled me to get out. I asked the man if he knew those ladies and he said no. I told him what I observed. I also told him that once I saw his dog in the car, that I thought they had turned him in for leaving the dog in the car. I can't repeat everything he said on here, it' a family blog. He did tell me that he sat there to run the a/c up and he had the windows cracked. He wasn't in the store even 5 minutes and when I went over the air coming out of the truck was noticeably cooler. Let me say that we had just gone by a thermometer and it read 80 degrees. The dog was not harmed and probably loved more than most children in this world. He thanked me, and I told him that I just wanted to make him aware in case he got a call or a visit. He left, and those ladies pulled up beside our van. She asked if I was getting on the elderly gentleman for leaving his dog in the car. Before I could answer she so smugly informed me that they had already called the law on him for leaving the dog in the car. I told her no. I said, "I ask him if knew you two because you were all over his truck like you were breaking in and getting his license number." That smug look left her face and she said, "Oh", and sped away. I love animals...Lilly is like my child and I never like to see one mistreated, but I wonder if she would have been so fired up and called the law if that was a child in that car??

Ponderings!!

These are just a few things that I have thought about lately and wanted to share.

(1) Am I spending my time wisely, or just wasting those precious
moments that God has given me?

(2) Do the things I do I have a lasting effect? or am I not
hitting the mark on some of the things I spend my time doing.

(3) Does anything I do or say help those around me?

(4) Am I helping make a difference in any one's life? I am talking
more about a difference of where they will spend eternity.

(5) Do other's see Jesus in me?

These are just a few things I have thought about lately. We have a new pastor, and some of his sermons have made me examine myself to see just what I am doing for the kingdom. I don't want to be sitting around idling, but have myself in gear and trying to encourage and reach people for Christ.

Drip, Drip...NOT!!!

I would have almost believed that today was Monday instead of Wednesday. That is because Monday type things have happened today. First, I can't find the cord that connects my blackberry to my computer so I can download pictures. I put all my cords in this pouch, but no blackberry cord. I have 2 cords to our MP3 players and a cord for a digital camera that I no longer have, but not the cord I need. I am sure that on Friday, I was putting it somewhere safe and easy to find when I returned...hahahahahaha!!

Next we wake up to no water today. No drip drip going on in our sink. Nothing, not even air in the line. The joys of having a well. I miss my county water in Pender County in times like these. We call Donald Oldham, who is so faithful to come and fix our problem. I think the culprit was that someone let a toilet run all night. I don't want to point fingers, but I am sure that is what happened. Donald to the rescue. It wasn't long before Donald had the faucets spewing the pure natural water from the well. Thanks so much!!

I am almost afraid to venture anywhere today as they say things comes in three's. I did misplace my keys, but I can't count that...I always misplace them.

PS: Wrong Date

I posted a new blog today entitled "Going Back". For some reason it posted it under August 11th, which I believe is the day I actually wrote the blog. It is the one I was waiting for the internet to come back on, so I could post a picture. Whew, glad that is straight now.

Fill 'er Up!!

Tonight we went to a local restaurant that has a buffet. Well, you would have thought that I had never eaten a piece of meat in my life. I always joke that I am meatatarian, not a vegetarian. I had shrimp, deviled crab, chicken (several kinds) and roast piled all over that plate. On the side of the plate sat about ten little lima beans. When I go to a buffet, I act like it is the only time I am allowed to eat meat. I look like I have been on a big hunt, and the meat is my prize. I always figured at buffet prices the only way I get my monies worth is to fill up on meat. So if you are spooning up some blackeye peas on the buffet, you won't have to worry about me standing behind you puffing and huffing to hurry you up. I will be on the other side where the meat is at filling 'er up.

Got Milk??

It's 4 am and I can't sleep as usual. My blackberry dings indicating that I have an email. It is from Harris Teeter announcing their weekly specials. I make a mental note to swing by there later that day. They have Deer Park water BOGO free and grape jelly for .97 and milk for $2.47 a gallon. I get to HT and grab a buggy ready to save some money. With my items in the cart, I make my way to the check out. All is fine, except my milk didn't ring up right. The cashier called the head cashier over, who was full of attitude. She told me the milk wasn't on special, so I opened the blackberry up and showed her the email. She huffed and puffed and did a little eye rolling before saying something stupid. She asked if I could print off the email so she could make sure it was from HT. My reaction was, "you've got to be kidding. You can see this is from HT.". Just then the manager arrives to see if there was a problem. After viewing the email, he looked at her and told her that he could tell that it was their email. He apologized and had the cashier to give me the milk for the sales price. He walked off with the head cashier, but not before I heard him tell her that she had better not never treat a customer like that again. Sometimes a little authority goes to persons head. Anywho, I got milk.

Down, Down, Down!!!

I have a blog typed and ready to be published except I want to include an old photo the blog. My problem is that the internet has been down here all week, and that stinks. I called Century Link back today, because they promised it would be up and running today...NOT. After telling me that it would be tomorrow before it was fixed, they then asked if I would recommend Century Link to family and friends. Duh!! No I would not be recommending them. I even told them that I would like the bill pro rated for the days we didn't have internet. This has been a week where as a customer I have had to fight for my rights and not let companies take my hard earned money. Big episode at Harris Teeter that I will blog about later. Better blogs to come when the internet gets up and running.

Going Back!!!

With school starting just around the corner, I have once again taken a trip down memory lane. As school supplies fill the entrances of every store, I am reminded of those glorious years. Oh, the fun of picking out just the right color notebook. In my day the big decision was going with a unicorn notebook or one that had kittens on the front. I always got a pencil pouch, but rarely keep them in there after the first few days. Picking out a book bag was exciting as it would become your most used possession as the school year rolled by. Don't forget the lunch box. That is what could make you the envy of the class, if you had the right lunch box. I remembering having a Holly Hobby, Strawberry Shortcake and my favorite one The BeeGee's. Although I am not really sure I even knew who the BeeGees were. LOL I loved getting new clothes and picking out just the right outfit for the first day back. The first day was exciting, seeing all my friends again. The newness of the school year was intoxicating as you were a year older. Then reality set in, and you realized that you were stuck here for 180 days. The newness faded into weariness has you prayed for a hurricane to hit (hey, I am from the coast), just hoping for some days off. Then during the winter months you prayed for snow, in my case at the least some freezing rain. The school year dragged by as I wondered why I was even excited about coming back. Before long Spring Break came and the end was in sight. The count down had begun. The last day of school is in sight, and visions of the beach dance in my head. The last day arrives and I say farewell to my friends. 2 months of summer fly by, and before I know it, we are back to school shopping again. I am excited all over again, but give it a few weeks and it will end. LOL

I get a desk for my birthday or Christmas and school play begins. If I only realized that pretending turns to reality too soon.

Ka-Boom!!!

Sometimes I wonder why I even try being nice. It gets exhausting at times trying to spare peoples feelings, especially if they are wearing them on their sleeves. I finally decided on some that I don't care anymore, if they want to act childish and sever ties with family...so be it. This was the last straw with me this week. No turning back and definitely never the same. All of this because I tried to be thoughtful and nice this week, only to have it blow up in my face. Other than being accused of something that I nor anyone in my family did...I am not sure what the problem really is except now a relationship ( on my part) is forever lost. The next time I get the urge to be nice and share...I won't. I will be stingy and keep everything for myself. Although that is really not my nature. All of this because I thought I was being nice and sharing what few old family photos my mom has on Facebook, so that our family could get copies. Family that gets mad at you for having these photos instead of being grateful that you shared. Lesson learned here you can't be nice to some people (I will never try again) because your nicest explodes in your face like a bomb.

Blast From The Past!!!

I got a new wireless all in one printer this past week, and I have gone crazy scanning old photos of our family. Just wanted to share some of these with you. I will be raiding more photo boxes in the weeks to come. I have enjoyed going through all the photos and seeing some pictures for the first time, and reliving those special moments in life. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here is about 8,000 words worth. LOL

This is me and my mom on my 2nd birthday. That cake looks yummy.

Mark and his brother Dwight coming out of Matthews Market. I love the expression on Mark's face in this picture, it is typical little boy.

My first photo taken in the hospital. Most laugh at my hair do, but I like it...I think that I look cute.

Mark with Dwight and Gail. This is my all time favorite picture of him when he was little. He is just the cutest little thing.

Me and mom at Easter. This was taken when we lived in Lake Forest. The good old days.

Our family picture taken when I was in the 8th grade. Probably my favorite picture of the 3 of us.

Mark on the day he answered the call to preach. A priceless picture.

Mark's whole family. I love this picture of him as well.