January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Mndisneygirl]

We'll probably reuse a few of ours. Assuming the kids' still fit! Thank goodness for the date stamp on the camera. My pictures sit in envelopes for years before I get to scrapbooking them, so it helps. Plus this time it will be lots of Christmas decorations in the pictures, so I should be able to distinguish them.

JenJolt - did you have your weekend at WDW? How was it?

 

[letthewookiewin]

very good choices!! I love phase 1. What is phase 2? If I may be so bold?

Not sure yet. It will depend on DH getting a new job. He didn't get the last one he interviewed for, but they have another position that just opened. It has the same pay and everything. I can't get a new purse b/c I just got one, and I already have a Coach bag, and a Dooney (if only I could find it). I don't need an iPod b/c I bought an iPhone at tax time. Maybe I should go on a shopping spree to Sam Moon? I could get some new jewelry. Their stuff may not be real, but it is very pretty. Also if I loose it, it's no biggie (and I loose a lot of stuff). My poor right hand is totaly naked, not a single ring on it. Or I am a charter member of D23 so maybe I could get some of the pins? Who knows. Or maybe when we go to replace his car, he can get my Ford Explorer and we can get me a Jeep Wrangler. We will have to replace his car once he gets back to working. One morning while taking the kids to school, he didn't check to make sure the boys had shut their doors. Basically he tried to use the side of the garage door to remove his car door. It will cost more to fix than the car is worth.

ok, question for you ladies. Your kids come to you before bedtime, saying they have been "see'ing things" in their room. Do you take them serisously or not? My boys did that tonight. My DH says they've been watching a few scary movies lately, and that could be it. However my oldest even told me when he was little that he saw someone (and pointed them out) that wasn't in the room. Idk, maybe I've been watching too much "Paranormal State" on my computer at night while they slept, and I am just reading too much into it.

 

[Monny2AE]

The disney outlet store online has tshirts on sale for 2.99 and 3.99 right now!

Don't tell me that!!!!! I'm not sure about the kids this far out from our trip. I want to wait and see what has lasted through summer and will still fit before I buy them anymore. Me on the other hand...

ok, so stage 1 of Operation-Tootbrush-in-the-Kitty-Litter-Payback is in play and should arrive at our house tomorrow. The color I ended up getting wasn't my first choice, but it's what was on sale. I bought a matching Vera Bradley Hipster bag, a sunglass zip case, and a "tech case" for my iPhone. Below are the pics of what I should get tomorrow. Now I can carry it to places that I don't want to take my Coach bag, but I need to take a purse. Which is good b/c with summer coming that mean DCI (Drum Core International) shows are coming. The last time I took my Coach bag to see a DCI show, my 11yr old dropped a full open Sprite 20 ounce on it.

Good for you! You may want him to be a prankster more often if the paybacks are going to be that good!

ok, question for you ladies. Your kids come to you before bedtime, saying they have been "see'ing things" in their room. Do you take them serisously or not? My boys did that tonight. My DH says they've been watching a few scary movies lately, and that could be it. However my oldest even told me when he was little that he saw someone (and pointed them out) that wasn't in the room. Idk, maybe I've been watching too much "Paranormal State" on my computer at night while they slept, and I am just reading too much into it.

My ds went through something like that a few months back. I'm not sure where it came from but it flipped me out. He was waking at night and would tell me the next day something was shaking his bed while he was trying to sleep. I was officially creeped out! I think it affected me so much because my grandfather had just passed and it really made me wonder. Plus it doesn't help that dh and I are fans of Ghost Hunters and Paranormal State. I know it sounds weird but I walked in his room and just said out loud that if anyone was in there, even if you mean no harm, you're scaring him and you need to leave. We've since gotten him a nightlight and all has been fine. Call me weird but I'm a believer in that sort of stuff.

 

[BellaSoleil]

Happy Friday! I just wanted to check in and say hello. I was so excited when our academy let out last week.... thinking this week would be peaceful. As luck would have it this week was more than insane. Plus, I'm still weirded out over this house stuff. DISing isn't even getting me out of this funk.

G and I talked about the trip a bit while we were away on our anniversary. He's totally on board and after a weekend in New Orleans, wants to stay at POFQ again.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Maybe you should get him a nightlight. I know sometimes even my kids coming into the room in the night (if I am almost asleep) gives me a heartattack!!!!! Every thing to kids looks and sounds so different at night. Of coures, the scary movies and great imaginations aren't helping him either!! I don't let my kids watch 'scary' stuff, but things that my older son is fine with that we don't consider scary or bad... freaks my middle one out. He has came to me several times at night crying or scared and saying that he thought someone was coming with a gun to kill us all.
I don't remember what he watched that time, but I couldn't believe that his little mind made the jump from whatever it was, to something like that!!! So, I really have to monitor and be picky with what they see. I know one time he was watching Batman or Hulk cartoons and couldn't sleep. These were kinda old too. I don't know...every kid is different. But, if he says he is scared or saw something, check it out.
Not to freak you out....but when we were in elementary (early 80s) ---and we lived in the country----a friend of mine (down our road) kept telling her mom a man was in her room. Well, she just sent her back to bed and told her she was dreaming. Well, the next morning, she went into her other daughters bedroom, and clothes were out of the dresser and things were moved around. Other people in our area said the same thing over a couple of nights, and sure enough, some crazy man was around and going in anyones windows he could get open. Of course, the little girls were traumatized--I think he may have done something to one of the littler girls. so, now EVERYtime they say they hear something I HAVE to go check it out. But, thank the Lord, we have an awesome alarm system that really puts me at ease. I know they aren't perfect, but geez, it's better than thinking every tiny noise is a maniac. come to think of it.... we had several men like that we eventually found out about when I was a kid......I think we were in a messed up place!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Happy Friday! I just wanted to check in and say hello. I was so excited when our academy let out last week.... thinking this week would be peaceful. As luck would have it this week was more than insane. Plus, I'm still weirded out over this house stuff. DISing isn't even getting me out of this funk.

G and I talked about the trip a bit while we were away on our anniversary. He's totally on board and after a weekend in New Orleans, wants to stay at POFQ again.

Glad you had a good time!!! Just give yourself some time about the house. It'll be easier when ya'll find some thing new. You will make new memories find things that are special there too. If you are kinda sad now, that's okay---just means your human and loved your home!!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

January 2010 Snowbirds


Lizziejane Jan ??? BWV
Bellasoleil Jan 2-8 POP
Mermaid02 Jan 6-14 CBR
Hmbbears Jan 8-13 WL
Peanut1 Jan 9-15 THV
Alecam Jan 9-16 Offsite
Jeanylaser Jan 14-?? ???
Kazooie01 Jan 20-27 CSR
Hebbynan Jan 21-30 ASMo
Drakes Jan 22-30 ???
Monny2ae Jan 23-30 ASMo
Momto2prncchrmgs Jan 23-30 POP
Momof2disneyboys Jan 23-31 ???
Hoosiermom Jan 25-30 WL

WOW! That list is growing!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

do any of you know of a good thread with creative countdowns? I know some of you had some good ones last time! My two younger ones want to do a countdown this time. Of course, the older one is weird about knowing, but I am gonna do something for them, if he doesn't want to do days on there, he doesn't have too! As you know, I am NOT creative, so send me some good instructions / photos!!!

We were planning a new york city trip mid-June. Well, we have had such a BOOM in the business, that Mike can't see daylight!!! So, we are very thankful!! God is good---but the option was, go for a couple of days without him, or just do 2 or 3 long weekends over the summer and really beef up the Disney trip. SO, of course, we jumped on that!!!! I really thought Saylor would be disappointed because NYC is such a thing he has always wanted to do, but, as soon as he heard longer Disney they were all jumping around and ecstatic!!!! I am gonna check on the BCVillas--have any of ya'll personally done the point thing? I would check it out if it's dependable and not a lot of hassle. Longer trips mean more LAUNDRY!! I would love to have the w&d!!!! Kitchenette would be nice too, we eat breakfast in the rooms---I am not a huge breakfast girl, so the a.m. buffets are wasted on me and my little one.
TIA!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Happy Friday! I just wanted to check in and say hello. I was so excited when our academy let out last week.... thinking this week would be peaceful. As luck would have it this week was more than insane. Plus, I'm still weirded out over this house stuff. DISing isn't even getting me out of this funk.

G and I talked about the trip a bit while we were away on our anniversary. He's totally on board and after a weekend in New Orleans, wants to stay at POFQ again.

I hope your funk is over soon

Maybe you should get him a nightlight. I know sometimes even my kids coming into the room in the night (if I am almost asleep) gives me a heartattack!!!!! Every thing to kids looks and sounds so different at night. Of coures, the scary movies and great imaginations aren't helping him either!! I don't let my kids watch 'scary' stuff, but things that my older son is fine with that we don't consider scary or bad... freaks my middle one out. He has came to me several times at night crying or scared and saying that he thought someone was coming with a gun to kill us all.
I don't remember what he watched that time, but I couldn't believe that his little mind made the jump from whatever it was, to something like that!!! So, I really have to monitor and be picky with what they see. I know one time he was watching Batman or Hulk cartoons and couldn't sleep. These were kinda old too. I don't know...every kid is different. But, if he says he is scared or saw something, check it out.
Not to freak you out....but when we were in elementary (early 80s) ---and we lived in the country----a friend of mine (down our road) kept telling her mom a man was in her room. Well, she just sent her back to bed and told her she was dreaming. Well, the next morning, she went into her other daughters bedroom, and clothes were out of the dresser and things were moved around. Other people in our area said the same thing over a couple of nights, and sure enough, some crazy man was around and going in anyones windows he could get open. Of course, the little girls were traumatized--I think he may have done something to one of the littler girls. so, now EVERYtime they say they hear something I HAVE to go check it out. But, thank the Lord, we have an awesome alarm system that really puts me at ease. I know they aren't perfect, but geez, it's better than thinking every tiny noise is a maniac. come to think of it.... we had several men like that we eventually found out about when I was a kid......I think we were in a messed up place!!!!

WOW! That's crazy! I jump at every little noise especially because we live in the woods and it's dark. I grew up a city girl with lights and sirens and could sleep through all of that but put me in the woods and I jump every time a cricket chirps!

do any of you know of a good thread with creative countdowns? I know some of you had some good ones last time! My two younger ones want to do a countdown this time. Of course, the older one is weird about knowing, but I am gonna do something for them, if he doesn't want to do days on there, he doesn't have too! As you know, I am NOT creative, so send me some good instructions / photos!!!

We were planning a new york city trip mid-June. Well, we have had such a BOOM in the business, that Mike can't see daylight!!! So, we are very thankful!! God is good---but the option was, go for a couple of days without him, or just do 2 or 3 long weekends over the summer and really beef up the Disney trip. SO, of course, we jumped on that!!!! I really thought Saylor would be disappointed because NYC is such a thing he has always wanted to do, but, as soon as he heard longer Disney they were all jumping around and ecstatic!!!! I am gonna check on the BCVillas--have any of ya'll personally done the point thing? I would check it out if it's dependable and not a lot of hassle. Longer trips mean more LAUNDRY!! I would love to have the w&d!!!! Kitchenette would be nice too, we eat breakfast in the rooms---I am not a huge breakfast girl, so the a.m. buffets are wasted on me and my little one.
TIA!!

In this economy take it when it comes!
Visit Meghan's PTR- she just posted a pic of her count-up calendar. I thought it was a cute idea to count up!
The DISign boards have some cute countdown ideas too. Since we're surprising the kids at Christmas it's going to be in the box they open. Mine are still little so I may go with a countdown chain so it's a little more interactive and easier to see it getting shorter. Please share if you find any cute ideas! I've only got until December to pick one!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Visit Meghan's PTR- she just posted a pic of her count-up calendar. I thought it was a cute idea to count up!

Aw, thanks! I got the idea from Emma (AGPrincess), so I cannot take the credit for it. If you go with the count-up idea like me, be prepared to cut out tons of Mickey head paint chips!!!

 

[BellaSoleil]

Shelly- You can change us to POFQ for now. If we change back to POP I will let you know.

 

[letthewookiewin]

Happy Friday! I just wanted to check in and say hello. I was so excited when our academy let out last week.... thinking this week would be peaceful. As luck would have it this week was more than insane. Plus, I'm still weirded out over this house stuff. DISing isn't even getting me out of this funk.

G and I talked about the trip a bit while we were away on our anniversary. He's totally on board and after a weekend in New Orleans, wants to stay at POFQ again.

I hope you guys had a great weekend. I would love a weekend in New Orleans. Lunch at Franky and Johnny's, beignets at Cafe Du Monde, and riding the trolley in the Garden District just to look at the homes. Sounds like pure heaven.

Maybe you should get him a nightlight. I know sometimes even my kids coming into the room in the night (if I am almost asleep) gives me a heartattack!!!!! Every thing to kids looks and sounds so different at night. Of coures, the scary movies and great imaginations aren't helping him either!! I don't let my kids watch 'scary' stuff, but things that my older son is fine with that we don't consider scary or bad... freaks my middle one out. He has came to me several times at night crying or scared and saying that he thought someone was coming with a gun to kill us all.
I don't remember what he watched that time, but I couldn't believe that his little mind made the jump from whatever it was, to something like that!!! So, I really have to monitor and be picky with what they see. I know one time he was watching Batman or Hulk cartoons and couldn't sleep. These were kinda old too. I don't know...every kid is different. But, if he says he is scared or saw something, check it out.
Not to freak you out....but when we were in elementary (early 80s) ---and we lived in the country----a friend of mine (down our road) kept telling her mom a man was in her room. Well, she just sent her back to bed and told her she was dreaming. Well, the next morning, she went into her other daughters bedroom, and clothes were out of the dresser and things were moved around. Other people in our area said the same thing over a couple of nights, and sure enough, some crazy man was around and going in anyones windows he could get open. Of course, the little girls were traumatized--I think he may have done something to one of the littler girls. so, now EVERYtime they say they hear something I HAVE to go check it out. But, thank the Lord, we have an awesome alarm system that really puts me at ease. I know they aren't perfect, but geez, it's better than thinking every tiny noise is a maniac. come to think of it.... we had several men like that we eventually found out about when I was a kid......I think we were in a messed up place!!!!

Both my DS sleep in the same room and usually end up in the same bed by the time they go to sleep. I think they have 3 or 4 night lights in their room. They used to have a big one that had a picture of the city skyline near water. In the water there were boats and hot air balloons and it rotated. That thing practically lit up the entire room, but it died.

Wanting to check everything out, I checked every window and door int he house. Luckily everything was locked up nice and tight.

Don't tell me that!!!!! I'm not sure about the kids this far out from our trip. I want to wait and see what has lasted through summer and will still fit before I buy them anymore. Me on the other hand...

Good for you! You may want him to be a prankster more often if the paybacks are going to be that good!

You would think the man would learn his lesson, but then maybe he just likes to buy me stuff. I have gotten many things over our 14 year marriage b/c of stuff like that he's done. Two Dooney bags (1 that I gave away a little while ago and one I lost), a Coach bag, a new diamond engagement ring, and lots of other stuff. I just think it's a little "dance" that he enjoys. He does something to get me really flustered and annoyed and then buys me a "treat" to make it all better. He used to love and tell me they were remaking the movie "Gone with the Wind" to get me annoyed.

My ds went through something like that a few months back. I'm not sure where it came from but it flipped me out. He was waking at night and would tell me the next day something was shaking his bed while he was trying to sleep. I was officially creeped out! I think it affected me so much because my grandfather had just passed and it really made me wonder. Plus it doesn't help that dh and I are fans of Ghost Hunters and Paranormal State. I know it sounds weird but I walked in his room and just said out loud that if anyone was in there, even if you mean no harm, you're scaring him and you need to leave. We've since gotten him a nightlight and all has been fine. Call me weird but I'm a believer in that sort of stuff.

A few months before I married my DH I moved in with him and his family b/c his mom and my mom didn't want me to drive the distance to school from my house. Since their house was closer, I moved in with them. That house was with out a doubt haunted.

Then when we moved into our mobile home, some things happened that we couldn't explain. One time I went to go check on my oldest DS, he was supposed to be asleep in his crib, he was a little less than a year old. The closer I got to his bedroom door, I could hear him babbling. Then I could hear a female voice respond, then he would babble again. It was like he was talking to someone, but my DS and I were the only two people in the home. I stood just outside the closed door listening, and it was the same cadence. He babbled, this woman talked, he babbled, she talked. Eventhough I could clearly hear her voice, I couldn't make out what she was saying. Finally, right in the middle of hearing this woman talking, I grab the door handle to open the door. As soon as the door open, the woman stopped talking.

In this house, I just know I don't like to be in any dark rooms. We keep all the blinds down and doors closed to the bedrooms, so even in the daytime the end of the hall is dark. I just get a creepy feeling that someone is watching me from dark places in the house. Also anytime I walk from one room to another and I have to open a closed door, it feels like someone is standing on the other side of it, and I expect to see someone standing there when I open it. It was weird last night when I was talking to them as I was standing int he door of their room. They were having me repeat the whole "Jesus Christ commands you leave this home". It made them feel better to say it. It just felt like someone was standing at the other end of the hallway laughing at me. Who knows, maybe I just need to stop watching Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters International, and Paranormal State, but I just love those show.

Well I'm off for a while to go let my neice and nephew (my sister's dogs) out to go potty. And yes my family is such big dog people that my sister calls me "Aunt Kim" when she talks to her dogs.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Haunted houses!! I tell you what-until you experience it, you can't imagine the weird feelings you can get!!! Our first 'house' after our trailer, was definitely something!! Well, we had a small hallway between our room, laundry half-bath and kitchen. The Living room and dining/kitchen area made a circle--the hall was off that to our room. I saw SEVERAL things there. Once, my older son (who was about 3 1/2 at this time), saw someone as well. I heard glasses/dishes/bowls rattling around in my cabinets all the time. I mean, really loud. Also, I heard voices a lot. I couldn't make out the words, but definite voices. Like men and women having a conversation. Almost like they were coming from a radio or something--I couldn't really pinpoint where it was. It really started to make me upset---nothing ever really happened when Mike was home. Only once or twice, but he didn't see or hear it. I actually could see people walking past me. They all appeared as dark shadowy type things--like an outline, but no faces. Men, and once a little kid. WEIRD!!!!! I was also sick continually in that house. I still have allergies/sinus flare-ups, and some migraines. But not like what I dealt with over there.
Needless to say, we have prayed over each house we have had since then. I have no idea what happened in that other house before we got there. I know the neighbors all said they were really strange people.

 

[letthewookiewin]

I didn't see any people in our trailer, but we had some weird things with some of the kids toys. The feeling of always being watched. Then there was the time that a glass milk bottle that was far from the edge of the top of the frig flew off, landed in the floor, and didn't break. Then when Joey (DS11) was about 2 (but no older than 4), I was watching a show about mediums. I looked at him jokingly and said "so JoJo mommy sees me, you and John in the room. Do you see anyone else?" At the time I was just joking. He pointed into the kitchen and said "man in there". Well it was a single wide trailer and the kitchen and livingroom were basically one big room, so I could see the entire kitchen. I asked him if he had seen the man anyway else in the house. He took me by the hand and led me to the hallway that led to the master bedroom from the kitchen. He pointed to a picutre of my grandmother and grandfather. Then he said "that man in the kitchen". This was about 2000 maybe 2001, and my grandfather died November 1989.

Now in my DH's old house I did see "shadow people", heard things, and had my toes touched while in bed by something unseen. Luckily for me, when I moved it, I got to sleep in one of the most "active" rooms.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Okay girl, that's too weird!! The one time my older son saw someone, it was my Granny that died when I was a Senior. I had just had Kipper, and Saylor was 3 1/2. My mom was staying to help me (had a c-section). I was out in the bathroom and my mom called me to my room--kinda frantic sounding. Well, she had both boys on the bed with her, and said that out of the blue Saylor said,"Nana, your momma looks just like you" (Which she did, but he didnt know that). So, she asked him how he knew that and he said"Because she is standing right behind you looking at Kipper. " WOW!!!! When my Granny was very young she did look a lot like my mother. She had lupus,so by the time we were in high school she looked a lot older than she was. Saylor, that I know of, at that point hadn't seen any pictures of her when she was young. I have never doubted for a minute that he saw her that day! And that she would be behind my mom, looking over her shoulder at the new baby is typical of what she would do. Kipper was born with a bit of a red tint to his hair---my Granny always wanted a red headed baby!! So, of course I grew up wanting one too!!! Then, my granny had 5 babies-2 dying shortly after birth because of blood disorders. Her living children, were 2 boys, then a girl. I had 2 boys, then a girl. Really weird. And I am about the same size as her, pretty much same kinda personality as well. It's odd how family things coincide.
I was super close to my Granny--I have talked about that on here before. I loved her dearly!!! I have also had several instances where for no reason, clear as a bell I can hear her call my name. Not from memory-audibly, to where I turn around to answer her. It's so real that I don't hesitate to say "Ma'am?" Or Yeah? Then I think, well dern, that couldn't have been her! My Paw-Paw says he still hears her too. Lots of time if he's out working he hears her yell out to him in the yard "Wayne!!" And he'll say WHat?? he is remarried and doesn't live in the same place, so it ain't that!!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Okay, you guys are creeping me out!! I'm not much of a believer, nor do I watch paranormal type shows. Can't get into it. But I'm sure that when it happens to people, they believe it!
Had a busy week - I'm exhausted! With Paige being sick, I lost a lot of time to do other stuff. But I'm mostly caught up. She's back to normal, just a lingering cough. She's even got a friend sleeping over tonight.

DH and I attempted to turn in our van today. Yes, attempted. You see, they keep throwing money at us. If we are lease holders, they will take an extra $2500 off a car. If we turn in our van, that deal is gone. DH looked at this car a while back and liked it. I'm neutral - don't love it, don't hate it. It's not a van, which he also said he wanted. But he wants a really expensive van. My plan was to turn in our van, drive our car and truck for a while and save some money up to buy the expensive van. Now he thinks it would be wise to take this awesome deal on the car (Chev Impala) because we can drive it a while and then give it to my parents, who don't have much $ and have a 9 yr old car with tons of miles. Then we buy the van we want later. Is that nuts? He's really being generous. Partly we worry about my parents' car because it's their only one and they will drive it til it dies. It would be like being ready for that to happen. KWIM? Oh, it's so ridiculous! Every time we're looking at cars, which is all the time, DH gets another idea, then another idea,...I can't keep up! It is so frustrating. Today I walked away and drove off the lot. I hate being pressured to do something quickly. This is not the first time I've been told the deal expires tomorrow, etc. UGH!!!
Thanks for letting me vent!!

Shawna - what kind of business is Mike in? Glad he's doing so well!!
Soleil - hang in there!! You'll feel better when you find your next wonderful home!! Meanwhile, you can enjoy your trip planning! Glad you had a nice weekend in NOLA.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

My turn to vent...Has the price of groceries went up like TRIPLE anywhere else? I get so stressed out going to the grocery store anymore, knowing we can't afford what we want. I already do most of my shopping at the discount store (anyone else have an Aldi where they live), then I get the few things I can't get at Walmart, which unfortunately is cheaper than the other grocer y store chains in our area. Most everything I buy is off-brand, I don't buy alot of meat...I just don't know how else to cut costs!! And don't even get me started on how the more healthful stuff is more expensive!!! UGH!

 

[Dancegrl624]

My turn to vent...Has the price of groceries went up like TRIPLE anywhere else? I get so stressed out going to the grocery store anymore, knowing we can't afford what we want. I already do most of my shopping at the discount store (anyone else have an Aldi where they live), then I get the few things I can't get at Walmart, which unfortunately is cheaper than the other grocer y store chains in our area. Most everything I buy is off-brand, I don't buy alot of meat...I just don't know how else to cut costs!! And don't even get me started on how the more healthful stuff is more expensive!!! UGH!

Cereal is absolutely ridiculous! I've started buying our cereal at Target. I can buy the biggest box of Honey Nut Cheerios (our fav) for $4.44 at Target when the smallest box at our grocery store is almost $4! It's is so stupid. I hate running from store to store, but I like saving money.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I hear ya!! Milk is ridiculous!! Some places it's $4 a gallon! I have gotten to be a heck of a bargain hunter, coupon clipper type person. We don't eat much meat at our house anymore (but chicken nuggets). I do stock up on sale stuff too. I buy a lot more generic/store brands than I used to. Target has some good stuff. I think since last summer when gas prices were so high, every thing went up - costs more to get it to the market.
I am hoping to find some good stuff at the farmers' markets this summer - fruits and veggies are usually better and cheaper. Plus it's local.
I have planted a tomato plant and a couple pepper plants in the garden. Peppers (the yellow ones) are so expensive at the store. I'm the only one in our house that eats them, and so I don't need much. The peppers don't yield much though.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sheree, Mike is a homebuilder. We are working in 2 subdivisions right now, plus a few more here and there around our area. We are pretty close to lots of refineries, which are always hiring people from out of town---so right now we are having a very healthy real estate market.

Groceries are ridiculous. I put us all on fat free milk about 2 or 3 years ago, and it just keeps going up! Gracie doesn't drink milk, but the rest of us love it. We use about 3 gallons a week---the milk we use is about $3.89 for just a half gallon--and we go through almost 6 a week or so. ( of the half gallons)I keep telling Mike it would be cheaper to buy a cow!!!! Yes, our organic stuff is unbelievably higher than regular stuff. And I wonder how much better for us is it really? If we are all gonna be sick from reg food--why keep selling it, and why not make it affordable to buy organic? I don't know. I know the gas hike last year did make a difference, but mercy!!!! Chicken is high also.And of course, we are big chicken eaters! Hardly buy beef anymore--we do turkey.

My mom is north of here-closer to Dallas, and the job market there is not so good. She is having a hard time just making ends meet.Especially with her health insurance---it's through the roof as well.

Sheree- I guess me and you are the only Dec 'birds!!