Mission: to be the cheapest girl in Gardner!!

Recently I have learned so much about couponing, and actually saving a lot of money buying what you would anyway. I have been reading ads, clipping coupons, and saving some money. Friday, between purchases at Walgreen's and Walmart I saved $46.00. Yep, you read correctly, $46. I am now inspired to continue on this mission, it is becoming an addiction...how much can I get for as little as possible. So expect to see a lot more posts about grand savings...and if your not using those coupons, send em my way : )

Happy Birthday Victoria

Dear Victoria-  Happy Birthday, today you are 14!  Yikes!  It seems like just yesterday on a day like today (cold, cloudy, and rainy) , you arrived.  You were born at 2323 (11:23pm) on Oscar night (Forest Gump won best pic that year), but I got to take home the best trophy.  You had dark wavy hair and blue eyes (much like Devon). I remember the first time I ever saw you, I couldn't believe you were mine.  

We have gotten to see you grow over the years.  One thing remains, you are still the same little girl at heart.  
You still love to be loved and pampered.  You still love your girly accessories.
And you still have an adventurous streak as well.
And of course, you are even more beautiful today!  I am so proud to be your mom.  I love you Victoria...Happy Birthday!

Goodbye Shawndra

I am very sad to report that my friend Shawndra passed away yesterday at 3:10pm. 

Shawndra- I will forever be glad that I had the chance to know you.  I will always remember your vibrant giggle.  I could recognize it anywhere.  I will think of you anytime I see someone eating carrots in a bag (even if their fingers aren't stained orange :) )  Every Kashi box will make me smile in memory of you.  You were the first person to suggest to me that Colby might actually ask me to marry him on our trip to Denver (he did).  I hope you had as fun of a time at my wedding, as I did at yours.  Your beautiful Ella was born just 4 months after Jacob.  I remember seeing you at the elevators my first week back from maternity leave...you just laughed and said "I'm still pregnant".  You are a beautiful person, with a beautiful heart.  I will miss it.

until we meet again,

Joleene

Jazzercise Challenge

Last week was the first week of Track for Victoria.  On Monday night she came home and was whining all night about how bad her legs/knees/ankles hurt.  I told her that I hurt from my workout too, but I wasn't whining.  her response was "yeah, but you just did Jazzercise"  

WHAT???? Ok, it was on then.  I told her that she had to come to a class with me on spring break.  She griped about it, but she did go today (her first day of spring break).

She only lasted 3 songs...3 songs so maybe 12 min.  

I am Victorious  (Pun intended)!!!!!!

Imitating Diego

Jake is my little dare devil...it scares the crap out of me.  Today, he got on top of the couch and used the pull cord for the blinds to "swing from a vine" like Diego.  He got a rope burn on his chin, and neck.  He is very lucky though, because he could have choked himself, or worse.  What goes through his little mind???

Devon...playing outside.  Gotta keep the gale force winds out of his ears.

My Birthday Surprise

Most of you know that I work EVERY weekend.  It works out great for our family, but sometimes it makes things a little bit of a bummer.  This past Saturday was my birthday, and I had to work.  Colby, Victoria, and Jake did a great job of making it special though.  I was very surprised....

They threw a bunch of balloons at me when I walked in the door.
Showered me with hugs and kisses.
They also made me a cake, bought me roses, and decorated the house for me.  I love them all!!

Please pray for my friend

A little over 2 years ago, a girl that I was work friends with was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. I haven't seen her much, or at least as often as I should since her diagnosis. I think that this was an intentional thing. Shawndra is a friend that I loved to work with, and enjoyed being around. Colby and I went to her wedding, and we were pregnant at the same time. Hearing that she had been diagnosed with an illness that had a life expectancy of a year or so hit home HARD. I had a very hard time at first, I wanted to have hope for her. Slowly though, I found it easier to not keep up with her. In my mind I guess I thought this would make it all go away. If I wasn't thinking about all the pain her and her family were going through, then it wouldn't be so hard for me. I know this is selfish, but it breaks my heart to think about it.


Shawndra has a blog, (that you all should visit) I read it today for the first time in a month or two. I almost started bawling here at work (and may still before I finish this). I know now, that Shawndra will not survive this. She will never get to be the mom to her 3 year old daughter Ella that I get to be to my kids. She will never watch her daughter get ready for Prom, or help her plan her wedding. She will never meet her grand kids or get to grow old with her husband Doug. She will not get to live the life that she had hopes of. I knew all of this once, but it is finally hitting home. I need to be a better support to her and her family. Even if that is just by reading her blog, and praying for her and her family.


I am so blessed, and I need to be more mindful of the little things that make my life so wonderful...that includes all of you.





I have put a link to Shawndra's blog on mine. Check it out if you have time.