I love the dopey bag. Can't wait to see your big auction items.
Thanks Chiara~! I am excited to see them - ahem, finished - too.
Oh, I knew you couldn't give me any hints about the upcoming auctions but a girl can try!
I totally give you bonus points for trying - you're such a clever girl.
The problem is, I'm not sure what theme to pick for her. I'm going to have a long talk with Mom this weekend and see if we can come up with a theme since she is splitting the cost with me. When I found out she was getting married there on our trip I thought about a Mickey/Minnie wedding bag. But I think that would be too girly for her, she's really more of a tomboy. I'm kind of leaning towards Lion King but need to discuss with Mom first.
Well, I can tell you - with out a doubt that my big auctions have nothing to do with weddings or The Lion King.
And I am not sure that any of them would be romantic like... but there might be a couple that are suitable for the tomboy type.
That's about all I can tell you. That being said - I am 99% sure that there will be a little something for everyone in the big auction.
I'm so glad that Alli had fun at her first scrimmage. That's a bummer though about having to choose between track and the choral concert. You would think that the teachers could get together and plan that better.
It is frustrating.... Super frustrating. Hopefully, things will go smoother now, since that was her last concert, and she shouldn't have any other after school events - aside from track - for the rest of the year.
I have to admit, although I skipped several paages of your report, I had to go back and find the dryer story since so many people were commenting on it. That is too funny. Honestly, that sounds like such a story from my life.
LOL I've been debating on linking to it in my Table of Contents... It's a bit legendary and definately a story that many can relate to.
Just thought I'd mention, since I don't think I have before. I started couponing about a year ago too. My friend however is obsessed with it. I find I get very confused with alot of the deals. So, I now only coupon my regular stuff. I find too that so many of the great deals are regional, I end up very frustrated. But, the little saving I do earn go into my Diz fund.
That is awesome! You know, every little bit helps. I coupon the stuff we regularily use, for sure... but I also try to get the good deals - especially at Target. You really should try that
www.totallytarget.com website - it's really awesome, and the deals you can get at Target are really surprising (to me anyways).
I also get a little frustrated, I have yet to find a deal that isn't available in my area - but like I said - I really only stick to the totally target website and then the one that is specific to my area. The first time I tried couponing, all of the websites were geared to the southern stores (which aren't even up here), so it was just impossible to find anything like that here. This time I feel much more successful, because I've found something specific to my area. That is very helpful!
I'd love to hear about some of your greatest deals.
I hate when teacher/coaches put pressure on the kids to choose one sport/club/class over another. One of the best compliments someone gave me regarding my kids, came from a teacher their first year of high school. He said "all of your kids are very well rounded". I thought, THAT is a compliment. And for the most part they still are. Other than my 1 son that hate sports. I imagine it was tough for him when he was always compared to his (triplet) brother who exceeded in sports. So, he is my theatre kid.
You are right - that is an amazing compliment! My favorite compliments also come from teachers, they spend a lot of time with my girls, and I think it's so amazing when their best qualities shine through - you know you've been a good parent if others notice that. I am so happy for you that someone recognized you for your hard work, and said something to you about it - that is just awesome!
I too look forwad to seeing your big auction bag.
Me too... but it won't be until I do the big reveal sometime in June.
Nice picture of Alli in the gym and all the other kids That conflict between teachers/coaches is nothing new. My girls were both involved in a LOT swim team, chorus, NJROTC drill team I always felt like they were being pulled in a million different directions. Honestly chorus is lovely but when it comes down to college applications they want to see it all, including some volunteering in the community, and sports too is a biggie. Just from our experiences
I know it's nothing new, but it's still frustrating. I remember having some of these conflicts when I was her age, but since I grew up in a really small town (hello, graduating class of 53) - most of it was resolved on the teacher's end and not the student's end, which is how it should be, IMO.
How did your MRIs go? When do you get the results? Hopefully there ares ome answers for you and you will be back to normal soon.
It was HORRENDOUS first they were running behind,had a 6:30 appt told to be there at 6 got there at 5:30 because I always want to allow for something happening on the way. Anyway didn't go in until 7 I was told it was an open MRI (head out) it was NOT I was also told tests would take abt 20 minutes wrong again 1st test would take abt 30 minutes next would be abt 20 mins
I convinced myself not to panic in there, took abt 5 mins to get past that claustrophobic feeling that I didn't even know I had a problem with I lasted in there abt 18 mins couldn't do it laying there like that my shoulder was screaming w/pain it then the arm started to tremble then my leg started to do the same Tech kept saying I see movement you need to lay perfectly still
that's it, squeezed that "panic ball" out I go
He suggested re-scheduling with a nurse there to administer light anesthesia or Ativan or Valium yeah ok...uh..NO...not going in that thing EVER again
Oh no! I had that same experience... I did not know I was claustrophobic until I went in for an MRI - they didn't even get me into the machine. I was just as bad (or worse) for the open MRI.
I am so sorry that there was so much pain involved. Were they able to get any pictures at all? I sure hope so - hopefully it's enough to get the answers they need. And hello - that Tech needed to be a bit more understanding... Sheesh!
I don't blame you - they will never ever get me into an MRI machine ever... Maybe an open MRI, but even that is questionable. I totally understand Ruthie.
I sure hope that you are able to find out what is going on with your hip/leg and it can be resolved soon.
I still pray for you every day and you are in my thoughts a lot.
Thanks for sharing that photo of Allie's first event. Sorry to hear about the conflict. I'm guessing you'd better get used to those. That was our experience throughout high school with our kids.
Yah - I was afraid you'd all tell me that - LOL.
Hope Ruth (Sewmistress) is better after having a rough week. Glad to hear from Ruthie and the other Ruth too. Nice to know everyone is present and accounted for.
ROFLMAO... I think it's "Sewmess" not "Sewmistress" - however, maybe both of them would be appropriate?
She may have to get in here to clarify. But I agree, I hope things continue to get better for her, and I am glad that all my Ruths and Ruthie are back... I worry about all of you if you go missing. Thankfully most of you are on Facebook too - so I know you are just Dis missing and not really missing at all.
I hope you get a lot done in your sewing room this weekend. I'll be working on a gift for someone and then a couple of skirts for the DGD's. I want to do a "great presser-foot experiment". Even though I have sewn off and on for years, I've never used more than just the regular and zipper ones. I want to learn what the others will do. About time I'd say!
That is awesome Lois... I did a presser foot challenge on the Disboutiquer thread... Hmmm... It had to be at least 3 threads ago (about two summers ago)... We accomplished the Ruffler foot, the bias tape foot, the 1/4" hemmer, I can't remember what else? BUt it was definately a learning experience... I know for sure - that I'd rather make my own bias tape than try to do it on my foot. LOL Carla C has an amazing Ruffler tutorial as a free download on youcanmakethis.com - it's what I used to learn about my ruffler, and it's way more techincal than I ever imagined it would be - Highly recommend it. Keep me updated on how it goes for you... I may join in when I find the time, as I'd like to learn about the rest of my feet too.
I'm hoping Sandy has a great time at DL! Wish I were there instead of looking out the window at the snow. Well, I best get a move on if I'm going to get anything accomplished today. Too often I get sucked into the internet black hole and emerge hours later. Need more will-power!
Me too! I get sucked into the internet waaaay too much. I am better at it than I used to be, but once in a while I still lose track of time.
Your "dryer story" will go down in your family history! Love it!!!
LOL - I am sure it will! We are still laughing about it.
I remember the days of having to juggle school sports events and choir/band events. The teachers/coaches were no help! And I don't miss it one bit!!
Yah - it's kind of a mess, and really childish. I guess it prepares kids for real life experiences of juggling things - but still...
Glad that Ally was able to have the experience of the scrimmage. That is very important so she will know what is going on in an actual meet. Thanks for posting the pic...she looks great!
I think so too... Which is kind of wrong of me, since Choir is an actual class which is part of her GPA... But I guess there is no right and wrong here - we just had to choose. Hopefully, this is the last time... Neither of the girls are taking choir next year, and all of their electives do not reqiure any after school time, so we should be OK for a while? I hope...
Hi, I posted on the Disbou thread (with the minion dress) and you were kind enough to compliment it and coming from you the queen of awesome sewing that was HUGE to me! So thank you! I wanted to say hi and just say that I am slowly coming out of hiding and I have enjoyed reading about your family. My girls are 8. I hope I have as good a relationship with them at 18 as you do with yours. Grace (minniefanatic)
Welcome Grace! That was an adorable dress! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll continue to follow along. Now remind me, your girls are twins? I am sure you will have a wonderful relationship with them... I don't know how mine happened? I know that's a bizarre thing to say, but one day they went from "being my girls" to being my friends - and even though I am their mom and I am still in charge - our chatter is much more friendly and our conversations are quite deep... I think it's just something that builds over time, and as long as you are always there for them, it will happen naturally. I hope... I am, by no means, an expert... I just fumble along and pray I am doing it right (like many things in my life...). Anyways... Thanks for stopping by... I look forward to seeing more of your makings in the Disbou thread.
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Yes... Yesterday was Friday, which means great couponing day... LOL
Read ahead if you want to hear about my great couponing deals...
Since it's a non-payday week for us, it was imperative that my budget stay as small as possible. I was only out there to get the best deals on coupons I had that were expiring before next week. I did manage to snag a few great things.
OUr first stop, of course, was Target... In a switch of pace, BFF was actually doing her big shopping trip - and I was just following her around the store. When I do my shopping - I stick exclusively to the Market/H&B/Chemicals/Paper sections... But BFF had items she needed in other parts of the store - so it was a LONG trip.
As it turned out, some of the items on her list were sold out - so we had to check other stores - which meant that we had to venture to another Target later in the day...
OK - so my best deals for yesterday's first Target stop were for coffee creamer. I had 3 coupons from BFF for the BOGO on Josh's creamer... So, I purchased 6 more... They don't expire until September, and I think I have enough to get us through June - which is good. I also discovered that a Target coupon and a manufacturer coupon which worked with Josh's shaving cream (I didn't think it would, but it didn't beep at the register at all) - this is HUGE for us, because he only uses a certain kind (Nivea for sensitive skin), but we also use this for sunburn in the summer - it works phenominal - especially at the lake, where the girls tend to get it bad. So, we go through a lot of it in the summer months. The stacked coupons made them $.89/each. And, of course, I grabbed a few more razors. I think I am almost done with razors for a while. My goal is to have enough to get us through summer.
So, my total before coupons at Target was $50.15. After all my coupons and discounts, I paid $13.75. A 72% savings.
Then we went to the grocery store - which I hate. I had 2 items on my list (maybe 3). The juice the girls liked was on sale 2/$6 and I had 2 coupons for $1 off... Which made them $2 each - not the best deal ever, but better than full price. There was also V's favorite cereal (she usually doesn't like cereal) was on sale for 2/$4 + I had coupons that totaled -$1.20. Again, not the best deal ever... but... And finally, they had the Bailey's creamer (small bottles) on sale for 2/$4, and I had coupons that totaled -$2, so they became $1/each. So, my total for this store was $14.00 and I paid $8.80 - a 62% savings. Not horrible...
Finally, we went to another Target. As we were walking in, BFF asked me if I could use her extra 5% Pharmacy rewards... Since I don't work the front end any more, I wasn't sure. So she asked at Guest Services, and sure enough - I could... This is huge for me, because I don't participate in Pharmacy rewards... I would - but my store is one of the only stores with out a Pharmacy - so it's a bit inconvenient for me. However, now that I am doing a weekly shopping trip to a bigger store - I may decide to participate...
I had decided that since the one set of stacked coupons worked at the first Target, I had a couple more, so I would grab Josh some more shaving cream. I also found some stacked coupons for Go-Gurt... Now, I never (EVER) buy Go-Gurt, to me, it's just too gimicky and expensive... but I had coupons that made it quite cheap. I also purchased a couple of items that I did not have coupons for, but they were cheaper at this Target than at my Target.
In the end, my total came to $32.28... After my coupons, team member discount, Red card discount and now my borrowed Pharmacy Rewards discount, my toal came down to $10.24 - a savings of 69%.
I am pretty happy with my totals from yesterday...
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Now, in trip planning news...
If you read above... You just learned that the Pharmacy Rewards can be shared. The only limitation is that it must be used in the same day.
For those of you that have followed how I pay for my trips... I buy all my Disney Gift Cards from Target, using my -10% Team Member Discount, my -5% Target Red Debit Card discount, and now I can add on my BFF's (or mine - if I ever earn one) 5% Pharmacy Rewards discount to my trip... That Pharmacy Rewards is a total bonus that I didn't expect to be able to use, but now that I know I can - I need to use that savings to pay for the remainder of our trip. I will have to work the #s again at some point, but it may mean that our longer trip will still work for us, or it may mean that I will err on the side of being the frugal person that I am, and continue on our 10 day -shorter - trip?
Regardles - I am stoked that I can have even more savings!
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Boring life stuff...
This morning I plan to work on the applique for a bit... I didn't even set foot in my sewing room yesterday (I am a bit disappointed in myself for that) - but I didn't get home from my shopping trip until right before V got off the bus, then I had to run to the vet for MM food.
This afternoon, Josh and I are going on a "date" - sort of. He is a lifetime member of Pheasants Forever, and they are doing a banquet today... So, I get to tag along and enjoy a $30 per plate meal... YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!
I HATE paying that much for a meal - it's rediculous if you ask me... but it's supposedly for a worthy cause? We never do anything alone together - so it may be fun? My first thought is always... What am I gonna wear? I'd be thrilled if I could get away with blue jeans. LOL
Anyways... I better finish up this cup of coffee and get a move on my day. Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!
D~
Now you know all of my items are a surprise... Gotta keep things interesting, ya know? LOL
So, when you are all gone at the same time, I tend to wonder what kind of trouble you are into.... 
OK - vent over.
The problem is, I'm not sure what theme to pick for her. 
It was HORRENDOUS first they were running behind,had a 6:30 appt told to be there at 6 got there at 5:30 because I always want to allow for something happening on the way. Anyway didn't go in until 7 I was told it was an open MRI (head out) it was NOT I was also told tests would take abt 20 minutes wrong again 1st test would take abt 30 minutes next would be abt 20 mins
