Where has the time gone?

Gosh, I just realized that I have not posted since Craig's birthday in September. We've been so busy it's not funny!

Let's see a little glimpse into what we have been up to..............well, first, I am still looking for a teaching position. I've had some interviews but nothing has come thru. I have faith it will. I have decided to use this time to go back to college and get my master's degree. One of the positions required me to have an endorsement so this will make me more marketable once this economy thing gets settled.

I've been couponing and working towards getting a reserve/stockpile of food and supplies. It's helped a lot!

I'll keep you all posted!

Happy Birthday Craig!

Happy Birthday Craig!!

Hope you have a great day......................

We love you!

Back to School

Well, it's that time of year again! Yep, Back to School! The kids started back today. I can't believe I have kid's in all three levels of school now. Dylan started at the high school, Brandon at the middle school, and Shelby is still at the elementary school. We figured out that in four years when Brandon starts high school and Dylan will be a senior, Shelby will still be in elementary school. I'll have a couple of years with no one in middle school! Incredible!

Yesterday we had hoped to spend a relaxing day on the lake with some friends but the weather didn't allow for it, so we hung around the house and prepared for school. We got the bookbags ready, lunch money ready, and clothes out for today! Then we decided to use some of our gift cards and coupons to go to Olive Garden for dinner. They have this Pasta Bowl thing going on now where you can eat all that you want for only $8.95. It was good! I ended up getting my second bowl to go, which was nice for lunch today! Plus I used a $4 off two meals coupon so it was even a better deal!

I also haven't found a teaching job. I am still looking and hoping that something comes up still. I would have thought my experience would have been a good thing, but I guess not. I'm wondering if God has different plans for me??

Well, off to finish the laundry and cut some coupons. I need to plan my meals for the week and run to the grocery store.

Have a blessed week!

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters

Oh my goodness! Have you tried these? Wow!

I'm not really a granola type of person.............I like the bars occassionally but that's about it. So when My Blog Spark asked if I wanted to sample these and do a review, I thought why not! I'm always looking for some alternative snacks for all of us and thought this would be a good one to try! I have to say I was not disappointed.

They sent me a set of four samples. I really enjoyed the Nut Lovers and the Roasted Cashews the most. I think it's because cashews are my favorite nut! They had a good taste and were actually very filling. My boys (14 and 12) liked them too!

These will be a great hit for afterschool snacks!

Reunion 2009

On Thursday my sorority sisters/house mates came to visit at my house. I was so excited to see them. I think it has been 7 or 8 years since we've seen each other. Where does the time go? Between the four of us we had 7 kiddos there. They had fun swimming and playing outside. Elise, Terri, Jill, and I had fun chatting and catching up. Brandon told me that we 'laughed a lot'. So true! :) It's amazing when you have great, true friends that conversations just pick up. There is no lost time really.............

We have to make this an annual thing! Love you all!

Happy Birthday Dylan!

Happy Birthday to my oldest, Dylan! Today marks his 14th birthday. It's hard to believe that it's been 14 years since Dylan was born. I remember waiting for him to arrive and planning for our first baby. Now 14 years later my oldest will be starting high school this year. His interests went from Thomas to the Train to riding dirt bikes, playing football, and playing XBox 360.

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday sweet Dylan

Happy Birthday to you!

We love you so much!

Checking in..........

Howdy! Just checking in to say 'howdy'! It's been crazy around here lately. School is out, summer is in full force, and now we are back to school planning. Next thing you know it'll be fall and Christmas and all the planning that goes with the holiday season.

Here's a little of what we have been up to:

• back to school physicals for all the kids
• July 4th weekend-went to the Daytona Coke Zero races (probably our last year as it's getting more and more expensive)
• looking for a teaching position........if you are so inclined, please say a little prayer about that. I'm trying to stay in my town b/c of the kid's transportation.
• Working on the accounting for our business. Actually I'm up to date, just keeping it that way. I've even played with the idea of doing data entry and books for other small businesses? Hmmmm. What do you think??
• Getting our flag cheer program organized for the fall. The kid's start on August 1st.
• Registering Shelby for dance............she's opting not to take gymnastics this year and wants to do dance again.
• Made appointments for the kids to have their dental cleanings.
• Planning for a weekend getaway with some friends over on the west coast of Florida. We are planning on doing some scalloping and relaxing. I've never had a scallop. Have you? Are they good??
• Cleaning out closets
• Back to school supply shopping! Hitting up all the penny sales that I can. Actually I have a good stockpile from last year so I really only need a few items.
• Back to school clothes shopping..........working on this a little at a time. The school district has a uniform policy so it's a bit more expensive then their normal clothing. But luckily with the boys I can do some hand me down things. LOL The good thing is that they don't wear the uniforms to play outside, so they are usually in really good condition for sharing.

Other then all of these items, we are continuing to work our business. It has been very slow and the economy has been hitting us hard. We continue to pray that there is a turn about and soon.

Hope all is going well with you and your families! I promise to upload pics of our scallop trip. I have never been and am very excited to try a new adventure!