Home Sweet Home!

So, overall the trip was great. The kids did great on the way down. We got lost a little in Atlanta, but found our way! Poor Jack got the raw end of the deal. He was told to be there between 10-11 am on Monday. He wasn't needed. He ended up spending the day in the room while the kids and I were at the aquarium. We ate dinner with him, and then went to Atlanta Underground, which is NOTHING like I thought it would be. Let's just say I was thankful to have Jack with me. We didn't stay long! We got a shock Tuesday morning. Under our door was a receipt and it also say check out for Tuesday. We were supposed to stay Tuesday night as well. Jack went and talked to one of the "big wigs" from the sales team and they told him he only needed to be there one day to support the sales team. Talk about a shock. What lack of communication! It has never been this disorganized!!! I feel bad for Jack. The kids and I made the best of it. We packed the room and watched TV, we had lunch and then we drove around for awhile until Jack could leave. We ended up in a bad side of town once again, (trying to find somewhere just to look around/shop for awhile) and then we found a Christian Book Store. We spent a lot of time there, and then I let them swim and use the hot tub for an hour. Josh finished up his homework and then Jack was ready to leave at 5:30. We got home at 1 am, and I am really tired. I went on to work, (don't ask me why) and the kids all went to school. We could have gone to the zoo yesterday, but there was so much going on, plus it was cold. I am glad to be home. It was a great trip and I am thankful for the time to get away.

Which Side Is Georgia On? (revised)

My battery died when I wrote this post. When we got to the Georgia line, I said "look kids, we are in Georgia". Jake said "mom, which side is Georgia on?"

We are home. We got back this morning (Wednesday) at 1 am. A day early, but glad to be home. More later!

The Aquarium

The kids and I took the hotel shuttle over to the airport and then took the MARTA system over to the aquarium. There was one lady who was amazed that I took three kids by myself! That always makes me feel good. The kids really liked seeing the alligators and the whales and the sharks. They really liked the sea lions (which reminded me of San Fransisco) and the penguins (which was their favorite). Poor Jack missed out. He ended up not doing a thing. We ate dinner at Pizza Hut and then went to Underground Atlanta. I am glad I said I went, but it was not at all what I expected. The aquarium was much better than Myrtle Beach by far. We still liked the Coke place the best.

Family Vacation

Our trip to Atlanta went very well. We did get a little turned around in downtown, but it went well. The kids loved the Coca Cola place. It was so nice. I enjoyed tasting different kinds of coke products from different countries. I didn't know it was like that, but it was really cool!! I will post more pictures later. The computer won't let me right now.

Super Savings Saturday/Girls Night Out

Last night Jenna and I went with Kathy and Megan to the Southern Woman's Show. Kathy works with me, and her daughter is Jenna's age and is in my class. I didn't know how Jenna would do. Megan and her had a BLAST! They were pushing each other around, eating samples, and together non stop! It was a lot of fun. As far as my savings Saturday.....I got two rugs today at a yard sale, and that was it (I was in a hurry...I had to be at BHBC by 9:45). I also got two french loaves of bread for free, more baby wipes (someone please have a baby!!!) and some soft soap body wash. I actually got 4 bottles, but they are not pictured. I also have $20 in ECB's now. I hope Jack will let me take my laptop so I can blog!!! Think of us on the LONG drive!! I have no idea how the kids will be, but hopefully the DVD will entertain them!!

Teacher Appreciation Day

Today the teachers got treated to lunch at Lonestar, courtesy of all the preschool parents. They gave us 3 appetizers and we also had a nice steak dinner. The kids also made us aprons, which is so precious. They also asked each child what made "Ms. Jennifer" so special. Here are some of the responses: She helps me color and tells me the coloring rules, she loves me, she plays with me, she gives me hugs, she plays with me, she tickles me, she says hi to me every day, I make him line leader. It was so sweet. I love my kids. I know I don't have to work, but I love them and are grateful for each one.

3 More Days!!

Just three more days until our trip. I am excited, but at the same time, I become such a worry wart!! What if our van breaks down? What if we get a flat tire? What if the kids get hurt and need to go to the hospital? What if one of us gets sick and we have to stay in the hotel room the entire time? I know this is crazy and I know that God has not given us the spirit of fear. I get this way before every trip. At least this time I am not leaving the kids!!
Lord willing, we do plan on going to the Coca Cola factory. I mean, me being such a diet coke lover, how could I not go? I also hope to take the kids to the aquarium, which should take care of the "educational" part.

Jenna-Bean

Jenna Bean was a trooper! She got 5 shots and did not cry. I was so surprised. You could see she wanted too, but she did great. She also has an ear infection so she is on antibiotics. She hasn't had a fever, cold, runny nose or anything!!! She complained Thursday and Friday that her ear hurt, but we never heard any more complaints after that. Trying to get the medicine down her is worse than giving her shots though, and she has been that way since a baby! Thankfully, they gave me an antibiotic that doesn't require being in the fridge because I didn't want to keep it on ice when we went on our trip.
Oh, our trip....we are going to Atlanta in a few days!!! I was able to get Joshua out of school for an "educational" field trip. Jack's company is sending him there for a couple of a days and we decided to all go with him. He got permission to drive instead of fly (since we couldn't afford to all fly) so they are paying for the hotel, gas (plus extra) and his share of food. I am really excited and so are the kids. Joshua said it was his first big trip that wasn't to the beach!! I'll try to make it as educational as possible! The morning after we get back, Jack flies back out to CT, but that is just an overnight trip. I am really excited to go! Of course, I'll take my laptop and blog with pictures while we are gone!

Don't Say the "S" Word!!

Poor Jenna....today is her 4 year checkup and that means "Shots"! I laughed Sunday as I talked with Karen who works in the pediatricians office and she said "Shhhh...we don't say the "s" word...they are immunizations, not shots"! Yeah, right...tell that to my 4 year old!! She is my worse one when it comes to going to any doctor (just ask Dr. Pretzer). I am not looking forward to this afternoon at all. I guess she gets it from me. The boys seem to take things like a man, so I shouldn't expect that from her!!! I was hoping they would be able to play soccer tonight, but I guess the rain will chase us away. They won't be there next week, so I hope it doesn't mess them up too much.

The Good Old Days

I sat here and I typed this long blog post when all of a sudden my computer went down. I guess roadrunner service was down temporary. I was pretty upset as I was talking about my deals and how I do it, and I losseverything. It just makes me wonder how did we every do things in the good old days? I mean kids today have it made. They have cell phones to go with them wherever they go, they have the entire world at their fingertips. It amazes me how addicted we get, especially me. I also wonder, how did I ever make it back in college? I didn't have a personal laptop computer. I had a typewriter!! Does anyone remember what that is? I even had a good one...one that corrected and had other "features". Wow, maybe I would have made better grades if I only had todays technologies!! Since my story on my deal making was erased, I will post that another time!

More Bargains

Yesterday I went out to yard sales by myself. I wasn't having any luck until I went to the last one which was close to the house. The sale was so good, I ended up calling Jack and told him to come down there and he did. I just wish now that we would have gone to this one first, but that's the thrill of yard sales...you never know where you will find your treasures. I ended up spending $8 for a garbage bag of things. I got teased a lot for going to yard sales every week, but what can I say.....I'm addicted!!!! I got the following:

1. My best deal...a nice $3 winter coat for Jacob next year (I couldn't get it for that price at the consignment sale in July)

2. Two pair of shorts for Joshua

3. A pair of pants for Joshua

4. A football for Jack

5. 2 action figures for the boys

6. A Barbie toy for Jenna

7. a 100 piece puzzle for Jenna (she loves puzzles, and does well with 100 pieces)

8. a coloring book for Jenna (never used)

9. A jacket for Jacob

10. 2 books for the kids

11. two videos for the kids

12. a game that has 3 card games in one

13. A nice Mickey Mouse toy for resell

14. Plates and Napkins for Jacobs birthday (never opened...Buzz Lightyear)

15. A "Happy Birthday" sign for Jacob (never opened)

I could have bought a lot more, but I think this is a nice start! Next week I may have to yard sale early, or go into Raleigh to yard sale. I am watching the nursery for BHBC so their ladies can have a mother/daughter tea. I'll still get some in, I'll just have to plan accordingly!

Super Savings Saturday

I know it isn’t Saturday, but I thought I would post early. I had a great week of sales and deals. (and the week isn't over....I still have yard sales) Here is what I got:

CVS: I got two 12 pack drinks (I know, it’s Diet Pepsi, but it’s free…what can I say?), 2 Johnson Buddy soaps, a pack of gum, and the 4 pack of soap….FREE! Yipee!!! I even got $3 more in ECB’s, and a $3 off $15 purchase!

Next, at Walgreens,( not pictured,) a free gallon of milk, and OJ for $1.80. I still have $2 to spend. They also ran a special on tax day for 15 free digital prints, so I got those for FREE!

On to Food Lion…..I got this bread free. (as you can tell it is almost gone) The coupon was good for bread for $4.99 or up to $4.99 off any bakery purchase. I couldn’t find “expensive” bread so I got some of this sliced Italian bread that was $1.79. (The McLean’s LOVE bread) I figured she would take $1.79 off, but she gave me $4.99 off, so I MADE money! I also got these baby wipes free. The coupon was for $1.50 off any FL wipes, and they were $1.19, so again, I made money!! True, I don’t “need” wipes, but if they are free….get them! I use them for sticky hands around the house, and they are great to keep in the cars.

It's That Time of Year

It's that time of year....flowers are blooming, you never know how to dress from day to day because of the weather, yards need mowing, and the ants are in my house. No trail, just ants here and there! I am going to get you this year!!! It drives me nuts! It's also that time of year I love....yard sales!!!! It's been raining the last few Saturdays, and this Saturday I will be cut short because of function at 11, but hopefully I can still get some in. I love the "hunt". I know, I know....I am crazy. I love finding things dirt cheap, and then re-selling them for a profit. (at the consignment sale). Last week, I found a yard sale on Friday, so I went before work. I found Jacob a Tommy shirt and a shirt for school next year. They were in perfect condition, and cheap! I am on a mission this year (usually when I am, I will never find it) and you can help me. The boy's will have to wear uniforms to school next year. I am not crazy about it, but I understand. They need khaki pants or shorts and then either red, white or black solid polo shirts. If you can find any, please pick them up. I found white shirts on clearance months ago at Target for $1.25. I didn't know then that this would be the uniform, or I would have cleared them out. Target is another good place to find them! I will check the consignment sale in July, but you have to watch prices....I have found that sometimes you can get a better deal paying full price at Target. One of the shirts I found Jacob last week was a shirt for school, so I was very excited.

He Shoots.....He Scores......

Jacob did it....he scored last night.....not once, but two times! He got two goals!!! He is just really surprising us. He is the one that said "ok, I'll play", but never acted like he was interested when we were out playing with the family. The funny thing is, I don't think he even realized what he did! He is much calmer than Joshua. Joshua gets into the game. Jacob shows no emotion. He comes over to the sidelines when it's his turn to sit out and plays ants! It was nice to see him score, especially since I missed Joshua score 5 times last year!! Way to go, Jacob!!!!

Jenna's Party

We had a birthday party for Jenna on Saturday (it was her year....we rotate every year) and she wanted it at McDonald's. We had 10 kids show up, mostly kids from her class at preschool. We got the invitations, party favors, cake, ice cream and 11 happy meals! I had put down a $25 deposit and was expecting it to be around $70, which is a good price for a kid's b-day party these days, but the lady said $68. I paid that, and then to my surprise, the Manager came and gave me the $25 deposit back, so I paid about $42 instead....not too bad!!! Sunday we went to church and then mom and dad came over and she got family presents and her "Dora" cake. I think she had a very nice weekend.