Couples Retreat

Jack and I were able to take a RARE opporutunity and get away over Friday night to the couples conference. We had a great time. I hope to post more pictures once Michelle sends me some more. We had about 23 couples that were able to go. It was very refreshing to me to get time alone with my husband. I learned ways to be a better wife for him, and reminders of ways to strengthen our marriage. I also discovered I had acting abilities!! We ended up playing a game (and Michelle has pictures) and we won a gift card to Outback! I am so excited! That is a very special place to us. I am back in the routine today and got spoiled by a week off, but I think we can all make it!

Just Another Conversation with Jacob

Our conversation last night:

Jacob: my tummy hurts
me: do you need to use the bathroom?
Jacob: no
Me: do you need to lay down?
Jacob: no
Me: do I need to get the throw up bucket out?
Jacob: no
Me: why don't you just lay down a minute. it sounds like you have a little gas in your tummy thats making it hurt
Jacob: Big Long Pause
Jacob: Mommy, how would gas ever get in my tummy?

Explain that one!!!! Also we have been watching TV shows off the computer (olds ones since we don't get cable....they now like to watch "HONK". They can't seem to say "HULK" so they go around saying "we want to watch "HONK"!!

Tonight Jack and I are off to a couples retreat! I am so excited to have a night alone with my husband. I hope I don't worry about the kids too much which I always seem to do. Have a great weekend!

Super Savings Saturday

I know it's not Saturday, but I'll be gone most of Saturday. I decided to post my good deals for the week! I had a coupon so this Johnson's Buddy Soap was free. Last time I went to CVS, it printed out a coupon for a $1.00 off Colgate toothbrush. They were on sale this week for 88 cents, so I got this free, plus 12 cents! The eye wash was for Jack. It was on sale, plus you got $3 ECB's back, plus a full rebate, plus it printed out $3 off a $15 order. I paid $3.50 out of pocket, but made money in return! I love this! It is so much fun! I also got another razor for 99 cents, but it wasn't in the picture. Now, I wish I could lower our weekly grocery bill. It's hard with two boys who are in a growth spurt, not to mention we like meat with our meals! I am still working on that one!!!

Add Another Title to My Name

Yes, I have another title now. Now, I am also soccer mom again! The kids started soccer practice last week. This year, things get a little more crazy as Jake and Jenna are playing too. I have the two of them playing on Tuesday nights and Joshua on Thursday nights. I was thinking yesterday about how I felt like a taxi cab driver taking the kids to all these different appointments and all. I guess as a mom you wear many "hats"

Look at my baby girl playing soccer....my baby is playing soccer!!! I guess she isn't a baby any more. I wish I could just keep her this age forever!

First Day of Spring Break

The first day of spring break was nice. No major injuries....Jacob just ran into a wall and got a nice shiner. I was able to clean (sorta) the boys closet and get their spring/summer stuff out. I was also amazed of how much Jacob has outgrown. I have a big pile of his clothes ready for the Kids Exchange sale, now if I can find a place to store it until then. I also realized that he was down to one pair of jeans. Thank goodness warmer temps are coming! I put a pair of Joshua's on him and I could hardly get it snapped. It was a slim size though, so I am sure that is why. I also managed to "clean" part of my closet. I actually got rid of some clothes and shoes so that was an accomplishment for me. I did that while talking two hours on the phone to my friend, Rudine, who I haven't talked to since December. I also cleaned our oven so I think I had a good day. I won't get as much done today as Jacob and Jenna need to see Dr. Pretzel (really it's Dr. Pretzer the dentist) and Joshua has to go to his follow up ENT appt. I guess I'll just spend the day in Garner!!!

Just Like Her Mom....

This post is for your, Mark......Friday we went and had lunch with Jack. We went out to eat at Wendy's. Jenna for some reason LOVES Wendy's. She says it's her favorite place. Jenna has a birthday coming up on Sunday, April 13th, so I asked her...."Jenna...if you could go anywhere you wanted to eat for your birthday, where would you go" She said "I want to eat at Wendy's". Joshua was sitting right beside her and rolled his eyes and said "oh brother". I said, "Joshua, what's wrong, where would you go?". He said "Of course I would go to Logans"!!!

Now, to all my readers that probably isn't funny, but I died laughing because it brought back me and my brother. My parents usually let us choose some place to eat on our birthdays and I guess a steakhouse was usually chosen (it was a real treat back then). I remember one time it was my birthday and my turn to pick out a place to eat. I am not sure how old I was, but probably around Joshua's age. I was asked where I would like to eat.......drum roll please....I chose Mr. Quick!!! Mr. Quick was a hamburger joint, like McDonalds, or Wendy's. I wanted to eat at Mr. Quicks because they had the chairs that you could swivel, or turn yourself completely around in a circle! My brother was in total disbelief that we were going to Mr. Quick. I bet he was tasting that steak all day, only to have to eat a hamburger!!! So, I see my childhood in Jenna! I needed that laugh! She truly is my daughter!!!

An Unusual Easter

This had to be an unusual Easter. Maybe because it was because it came so early this year. First of all, I didn't do any baskets. The kids got no gifts. Jenna didn't get a new Easter dress and the boys didn't get anything new. They all just wore what was in their closets. It was the first year we didn't do anything!! We came home and ate frozen pizza. We usually eat something quick on Sunday's, but today, frozen pizza just didn't seem right!! We didn't have church tonight so we went to my parents church. Things got better at then end when we got a milkshake after church. I hope things will be more "normal" next year.

Super Savings Saturday and Family Fun Night

We had another great family night...of course we had our usual Friday taco night! We have been going to Chick Fil A for free ice cream cones, but last night we rented the Bee Movie! The kids and I saw it at the $1 theater a month or so ago, but Jack wanted to see it. The kids liked it so much that we just rented it for everyone to see.

Here is my savings for the week. The toilet paper was free because I had $5 to Walgreens. I also got two 12 packs of coke for $1 and this rinse for free, plus I can send in to get another $2.99 in a rebate. Again, I am going slow compared to all these professional CVS'ers and Walgreeners, but it is fun and the way that we have been hit with huge bills the last couple of weeks, we could use any savings we could get! Happy Easter!!!

Spring Break....

WOOOHOOO!! Spring break is finally here! No more rushing to get the kids dressed and out of here, no homework for a week, no work for a week! I am really excited, but come Tuesday I may be wishing for school again!! No, I really am glad to have a break from everything and I know the kids are too. Today, we are going to have lunch with Jack!!! Jack sent me this link this morning, and since it was Good Friday, I thought I would share it. I am very "sappy" at this song because Jack made a "video" of our lives together set to this music, so I get teary eyed now every time I hear it. http://youtube.com/watch?v=zJgEGe5UijA&feature=related

Happy Friday!!

Preschool Easter Egg Hunts

Yesterday, Jake had his Easter egg hunt and party, and today, Jenna has hers. We are also going to Joshua's class to hide his eggs but he doesn't get a party (don't let me get started on that). Anyway, the kids had fun, and I thought I would show some pictures.Look at these treats....aren't they so cute...and easy. I'll have to file these and make them next year!!!

Here is my class....(my 4 year olds) aren't they cute....front row left to right....Julian, Blake, Sofia, Jenna, Kayla, Cassidy. Back...Jacob, Ryann, Caleb, Madeline, Jeremy, Emily, and Samantha

Guess, what....Jeremy gave me a hug and a kiss yesterday! I feel bad for him, but it sure made me feel better!

Call Me Crazy.....

Call me crazy, but I LOVE the show The Biggest Loser! I love watching it on Tuesday nights. I love to watch these people lose weight. There is a lady on there right now who just looks incredible. I get a little jealous of her. Jack says..."you could do that too" I don't think so!!! It would be nice to go somewhere and work out all day, have trainers tell you what to eat and see 50 some pounds come off of you! Hey....I would be estatic if I lost 20 pounds!!! But, I seem to have this obsession for food! Last week Jack and I got in this debate because he wondered why the women were boo-hooing. I told him it was so much easier for a guy to drop weight. These guys are dropping at least 8 lbs a week. A woman has different things going on with her body. I got really into it, because I could relate to them.....exercising their hearts out to get on the scale and see 1 pound lost!!! Jack can eat ANYTHING and not gain a pound! In fact, he has been in the same size pant since I met him. Me....well, I can look at any food and gain weight. I could eat a carrot and gain a pound.....So call me crazy for loving this show and getting into it a little too much. Call me crazy for wishing that I could drop weight like that instead of going the opposite direction!

Let's See What Else Can Break......

Recently I have broken a lot of things around the house. I feel bad for Jack. He can't keep up with things. Here is my list....

1. the riding lawn mower

2. the dryer that is only a few weeks old (a repairman is coming tomorrow)

3. the vacuum cleaner

4. the kitchen drawer (although he did get that one fixed)

5. a post on our fence

I don't know why everything breaks down at once!

I wanted to show my "prize" for 3rd place in my chili contest....it came from a Southern Season, so although it's not really what I wanted, I know it did cost a little. It's more my "pride" saying I actually won 3rd prize. Jack did not even get a chance to vote, and the chili was all gone by the time he got in there! I didn't poison anyone either!!!!

The Easter Egg Hunt

The kids went to Monica's on Saturday for an Easter Egg Hunt (thank you Monica). They really had a great time. I got to take a group of kids on a scavenger hunt. I think we were winning until we got to the last clue....I didn't know we could go in the house, so my group got third place. Joshua's team got first. Look at this picture of Jacob and Linus (I think that is Linus...it could be Lucy). I had a hard time taking him away from the dogs.....hmmm...are we going to have to break down and get him one?

Super Savings Saturday

I am still new at all of this and moving very slowly, but I am having fun! I got these baby wipes at Food Lion for free. They were $1.49, and I had a $1.50 coupon! I don't need baby wipes any more, but they are great for the car! Next, I got this shampoo and conditioner which are my favorite brands. I got these for free!!! They were on sale for $2.99 each, with $2 each in extra care bucks. I used my $6 ECB from last time and got them for free, and now I have $4 to use this week! Hey, this is fun! I LOVE free stuff!!!! By the way....HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!!

The ACC Chili Cook Off

It's that time again...the ACC tournament and the great Gilead Sciences Chili Cook off. Once again, Jack entered my chili. I don't know why he does this. He knows I can't cook! At least no one knows who the chili belongs too. He was telling me this morning about the winner from last year and he sounded like a chili expert. He said the winning chili had a great "texture" and the color was "consistent". I wanted to laugh, except it was still 5 am. Yes, I got up at 4:15 to put everything in the crock pot. I told him if he wanted to win a prize he should just buy several cans of Hormel Chili and put it in our crock pot!!!!

I did make something good last night. They are called Crescent Bundle Surprises. They are SO EASY (they have to be if I made them) Here is the recipe

1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls

8 fun size snickers candy bars, halved (I used the bite size)

1/4 cup cream cheese frosting:

Separate crescent dough into eight triangles: cut each in half forming two triangles. Place a candy bar half on each triangle. Fold dough over candy and pinch corners together to seal. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack. Cut a small hole in the corner of a resealable plastic bag. Fill bag with frosting; pipe over rolls.

*******UPDATE*****Jack just called and I got 3rd place...guess I didn't need Hormel after all!!!( and there were more than 3 that entered!!!!)

Extra Extra Read All About It.....

Joshua's picture finally got in the Clayton Star, which came out yesterday. He is so excited to see his picture in the paper. He was getting worried because they already picked the new students of the month! He also got his certificate so he is happy.

Since this post is about Joshua, I thought I would combine posts and mention some funny things he has said. Last night at dinner I was telling him he should eat salad because it was good for him. (he is my very picky eater). Anyway, in a very serious voice he said" Mom, I have to tell you something, and I understand.....The way I was born, well, I was made not to like salad, and that's just the way God made me". Of course you had to be there, and I was just laughing so hard. Then, the other day, I told him how much Jacob loves him and looks up to him. He said "well, he never tells me he loves me". I said "why don't you tell Jacob you love him". He thought about it for awhile and said "mom, I don't think I can do that". "That sounds a little wierd to tell your brother you love him"!!!

A Complete Mess

Saturday we cleaned the carpets. I didn't know it would be such a job or such a mess. I took these pictures to show what my bed looked liked. Jack put everything in his way on top of my bed! I am still trying to put things back together, but at least our carpets are clean! I also got the chance to rearrange Jenna's room. I didn't like it at first, but now I do.

It's Official

It's finally official.....The boys have been accepted into Southside Christian Academy.( sorry but I can't add the pictures right now...I'll try later) I wish I had time to tell each of you the way that God opened and shut the doors for us to get into this school. We were set on going to Hilltop Christian, but that is in Fuquay and was 18 miles one way. Multiply that times 4 and then five times a week and add gas prices to that! This school is 6.5 miles from the house and on the way to preschool. It's only 2.5 miles from preschool! The best thing is that Joshua will only have 12 students in his class....that's the size of my preschool class. I know that Jacob and him will get so much more attention. It's just amazing to see how God brought everything together. We were walking on eggshells for a couple of weeks because I was afraid that we would not get in here, and then lose out on Hilltop, but everything came together. I don't know how long we will be able to keep them in school, but we'll take it year by year. Next year we have to factor in Jenna, and I only make so much money!!

"Us Girls" Got a Haircut

Jenna always says "us girls" whenever the two of us do something. Today, I got my haircut and Jack cut Jenna's bangs. It was the girls "pampering" day.

Free Chicken Sandwich at White Oak

I didn't see anything about the free breakfast, but last night when we went to Chick fil A for ice cream, there is a big sign there that says you can get a free chicken sandwich when you present your church bulletin. It's on Monday nights from 5-8 pm, limit two per family (but Jack and I usually walk in seperate). Just thought I would pass that on in case someone wants a free dinner Monday night! Have a great weekend!

Another Joshua Update

We are home. We got home about 11:30. The surgery went well. It is a quick surgery. We were able to go back to the recovery room when he was more alert. He did not look good at all. He was eating a popsicle, but was very quiet. He was extremely quiet all the way home. Jack brought him in and put him on the couch and about 2 minutes later, he threw up. We knew that could happen. He looks a little better now and is resting on the couch watching videos. I have had a hard time getting Tylenol in him. I have gotten a few sips of water down him, and I will feel better once he starts drinking again. Jack went to get the kids and is picking us up some lunch. Josh said he wanted something, so hopefully he will eat. Thanks mom, for watching the kids. I didn't know who else to call and there is no way they could have sat that long.

The doctor said it was a good thing that we caught this. The eardrums were starting to collapse inward and in time, it would have caused major damage. The ears actually looked worse than his initial evaluation. We'll probably keep a closer eye on him from now on. We go back in two weeks to find out if the fluid is gone and if the hearing has been improved.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I know this is a "simple" procedure, but as a mom you still worry. It is hard to answer all his questions. It's still scary when your child goes under. I know I am emotionally exhausted. If it weren't for Jacob and Jenna, I think I could snuggle up for a nap myself, especially in this raining weather.

Joshua Update

Joshua needs to be at the surgery center at 8:20. His surgery is scheduled for 9:50 tomorrow! Thank you all in advance for your thoughts and prayers! I know it is simple surgery, but I appreciate it! I'll post tomorrow after lunch once things get settled and calmed down.

P.S. I just saw from another blog that Chick fil A is offering free breakfast on Friday's for the month of March. Tomorrow it is a chicken biscuit, next week it is chicken minis, then the biscuit, then minis again. I did this last year and they gave everyone a freebie (including my kids). Check it out!!

Party of Five Please......

Sometimes I feel like I am running a full service restaurant and hotel. My kids have gotten in a bad habit of wanting to know what is for every meal!! Joshua for some reason now gets in the car and asks me "what's for supper?". How about "Hi, mom, how are you, I missed you today, what's for supper?". Now they wake up and the first thing out of their mouths are "what's for breakfast"? Well, we don't eat anything fancy for breakfast kids. You know it's either pop tarts, bacon, toast, waffles, or hashbrowns. There are days like today where I would just like to figure out what to wear first!!! One day I would love for someone to cook for me (and clean up after)

Then yesterday I wondered how we have so much laundry. I know we are a party of 5 (hmm....that could be a catchy blog title) but why can't I ever get caught up on laundry? Just when I get caught up, there is another load waiting. I think the clothes get up and walk or something! Welcome to another day in the life in the McLean Household! I'll post later today with Joshua's surgery time. I should find out between 2-4.

Thunderstorms, Joshua, And More

I am a 3? year old woman (no need to show how old I am) and I still don't like thunderstorms. Last night, I must admit, I was scared. Poor Jack didn't get much sleep. I think by 12-12:30 I finally dozed off. I remember as a little girl growing up in Illinois, how scared I was of them. I remember how I used to crawl under my covers thinking this would protect me somehow. I also remember thinking the thunderstorm was over, but in Illinois, our storms would change directions or something, and come right back and I would be right back under those covers. Luckily, my kids slept through the entire thing!!!

Joshua did well during his appointment, although there was nothing too it. We had to watch a video about the procedure, which he said was very boring! They gave us instructions like no food or water after midnight, what to expect, blah blah blah. I won't know until Thursday afternoon what time his procedure is, but I'll try to give a quick blog once I find out. Joshua was asking me a bunch of questions. I know it is very simple, but I am nervous about it. At least Jack will be with me.

I survived yesterday. I got home at 4:10 and then scrambled to get the meal for Kathy prepared. Thankfully, I had cooked the chicken in the morning, or things would have been bad. I left about 4:45 and took the meal over to her. We got home after 5 and I came home to all the dishes I had messed up during the entire process. That made me mentally exhausted! I got through them, got our meal prepared (thank goodness we had baked potato and salad), got Joshua's homework done, kitchen cleaned, and baths complete! I am so glad all my days are not rushed like that! I told Joshua I was sorry that his day was so rushed, and he said "it's ok mom...I don't mind, and you can't help it). Maybe I can sleep in carpool line today!!!

Oh, and right now Joyful Jay-walking is winning. If you want to vote on blog titles, see yesterday's entry and pick your favorite!

Blog Titles And More

Today is one of those crazy days! I have to work until 12, and then at 12:30 we have a staff meeting. I have to leave that at 2 to drive over to get Joshua early for his 3 pm pre-op appt (his surgery is Friday morning) and then when I get home, I have to take a meal over to a co-worker who just got out of the hospital. Whew! Maybe by 5 I can come home and breath before I start our dinner and homework.

Ok, I had a few people who helped me out. I was hoping for more, but this is what I got. And, my husband DID NOT help at all! Here are the ones I like....tell me which ones you like:

1. Jen's Gems
2. J-Walking (I could say Just Jwalking, Joyful J-walking or any other creative)
3. The Breadwinners Baker
4. McLean Matters

So, which one would you choose? I have three of these that I really like.

CVS 101

I have been studying the blogs of these women who are very thrifty and get all these free things for their family. It is amazing. Some of these women have grocery budgets for 35-40 dollars a week. I don't know if I could ever get ours that low, but maybe I can slowly start to try. I don't know if these people actually buy meat, and we have to have meat. We don't eat it every meal, but we do eat it a lot. Anyway, here are my CVS deals for the week. I started small so that I could get the hang of things. I'll continue to study and get tips from others, and hopefully, I can get a ton of stuff free too.

1. Colgate toothpaste---this was easy. It was $2.99 at CVS, and you get $2.99 back in extra care bucks to spend the next visit (anything but prescriptions, gift cards etc), so they are really giving it to you. I also had a 75 cent coupon so mine was free plus 75 cents.

2. The Venus razor...it was on sale for $9.99, with $6 in extra care bucks. I also got a $4 coupon so again, it was free!! Now, I have $8.99 to go back and spend on next weeks deals.

It's really fun. I am also going to Walgreen's today to get some more free stuff. Again, this may not seem like a lot, but if I could ever get up to speed with these other ladies. They are incredible. They really search these ads and coupons and are extremley helpful!

Family Fun

My brother noticed that I hadn't posted in two days and wondered if I was ok. Yes, I am ok! We didn't have much going on, and I was a little sad with Jack being gone plus not being able to go on the ladies retreat, but he is back and things are better. I think he missed me and felt bad for me, so today we took the kids bowling. It was so funny. Joshua did really good (takes after his mama ha ha) Jacob "threw" the ball, and Jenna just rolled it. I practically fell asleep while her balls were going down, but we had a great time. We had two coupons for Texas so we went there after. It made me feel better about not going. I am happy to have Jack home!!