Saving Money and Tooth Fairy Money

Can I just say 18 times that I *love* my friends (and family and husband)? : ) 

Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends, Love my friends!
heehee, I think I like the number 18-my old post office box when I was growing up, my old phone number growing up (ended with 1818), the number of times I got parking tickets...just kidding! : )


Anyway, yesterday I was sitting in the floor folding clothes telling Ches that the kids needed spring clothes-you know, those clothes you wear between winter and summer (seriously-not sweaters, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, but not spaghetti straps and short shorts with sandals)  Like..capris that fold up and button, and short sleeves and little sweaters and stuff.  And..guess what my magical, perfect, God-chose-him-for-me-husband said?  Ok..guess!


"I think you need a trip to Branson."  (the most wonderful words he speaks..besides I love you, heehee)  I looked at him, and wholeheartedly agreed. ; )  He said I should go tomorrow (today!).  I said that sounded great! (Yipee!)


I cleaned the kids' closets all day yesterday pulling too-small clothes, and making Mary Claire try on scads of clothes to see if they'd make it another year.  She has a love/hate relationship with clothes (where I'm concerned)-she loves them, she hates to try them on.  Anyway, I made a list of what they needed, printed coupons, gathered mailed sale ads, and set my alarm.  I had to shower early, get the copies at the school made early, and head east (well, northeast!), since it's a two-hour drive.


I made great time, and got started.  I met a friend for lunch (the manager at Gymboree-we met years ago at Gap-literally, like maybe 8 or 9 years ago?  I don't even remember.  Anyway, she had this superbly awesome pen-a Bic fine point accountant pen..they used to have blue lids and a little silver clip, I'm assuming to clip to your shirt, haha!  Ok, so anyway, I made over her pen, and she gave it to me-so sweet! and helped me find my new favorite jeans that lasted almost five years.  She also sent me to find my next favorites..Lucky's! : )  We've been friends-and sharing our fave pens and clothes-ever since!)  Anyway, I shopped the day away, didn't bathroom break from 10:30am till 10pm, so I think I was busy. : )


They had AMAZiNG sales.  Really, I caught store sales, and I had printed out coupons for all of them, so in some stores I got 30-40% off the entire store, and then I had 20% off my entire purchase (Cha-ching!).  Really...in Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Gap-it was awesome!


I guess you have to be flexible and plan around the sales.  And, I'm pretty flexible.  I can apparently plan and leave in a day's notice.  I did plan to be home by 4 or 4:30, but I move into a time machine in Gymboree, and it takes me hours to plan matching outfits, and if they don't have all my matching sizes, we have to call other stores to get stuff shipped to my house.  Fun stuff.


Okay, so I get home, the kids jump all over the bags, open and sort clothes, tell me what they like the best, we read bedtime stories (so glad I made it!) and then Clay tells me he's lost a tooth again! (I think this is the 14th)  Ches tells him it's his last, that the tooth fairy quits coming when you're ten.  He gets all sad (yes, I think he fully understands the Process), and I feel so sorry for him, give Ches the eye (but he did let me go shopping today..), and I tell Clay that he should just try it.


He asks to write the tooth fairy a letter, and disappears into my bedroom with the computer.  The next time I see him, he has a mistake-free (spell-proofed!) letter, edges scalloped with a punch, and the letter is so grown up.  When did he go and grow up on me?  In the last 20 minutes?


I took a picture, since sometimes the tooth fairy takes the tooth/letters since she was told to remove things a couple years ago. ; ) He went to bed with hope that she'd leave either a $5 or an Easter egg hunt help (umm..what?) for him.  I sure hope she doesn't let him down-he has big expectations.

Here is the text if you can't read it (since I am so tech-saavy I can copy from Word!):

Dear Tooth Fairy,

         This is my last tooth that I will have you handle. I am sincerely sorry, but your job is done for me. I wish you luck on your never-ending journey of taking children’s teeth, while giving them money. All Tooth Fairys started out in Europe, then came to America somehow. When I grow up, I may not believe in you. I will pass you on to my children and my grandchildren. I will always remember the  magic, and fun of the Tooth Fairy, meaning….. You!!

Sincerely,

                                                  Clay Jones

What to do.  What to do.  And he wants her to write him back. Cough, cough.

Girls Day

We are safely home. : )  Yesterday we toured the Apple store (I sat in the van and photographed my fave--Pottery Barn:

Doesn't it fit right in?

Then the kids couldn't wait to get to the Moon River Marble Company!  (They kept calling it a "factory" and we were told we'd see a marble-making demonstration!)  So..when we came upon it, and it was a little gray building, with a gravel parking lot, with only about 10 spaces, I was deeply disappointed we'd driven out of our way-into Kansas-to see this.

It's a chalkboard.

The bonus is there were train tracks just about 20-30 feet away from us, and the two times the train came through, we could FeeL it, and the boys ran outside to see it!  I was so worried after Ethan told me he'd "lay down flat, arms down, and let it go right over him!"  A mother's nightmare!  And he's awful adventurous..

To give them credit, we did see a marble-making demonstration.

A lady clearly explained how they weren't a factory.  The marbles they sell by the bag or by the tube are from a factory: machine-made.  The only ones that are human-made at that location (or shipped in by other glass artists) are in a case at the back, and run from $30-$1600.  Guess which ones we bought?  Yep: the machine-made ones! : )  (I should mention it was generally a big toy store-tons of games, dolls, girl-stuff, and...squirrel underpants.  Really.  They had boy and girl underpants, and for the life of me I don't know why I didn't take a picture!)

Sorry I didn't post last night, I was so exhausted!  I was busy trying to get my checking account reconciled (by hand!) since my Quicken software downloads from my bank online, but I realized there were chunks of time missing (and pages worth of transactions missing!).  Now, since tax-time is looming, and we have to turn in our paperwork, it's become increasingly important!  Our tax guy never finishes them till April 15th, so I'm not freaking out..yet.

..and Today Mary Claire and I had a girls' day out. (while Ches took Clay fishing!) We started at church working on envelopes together, and giving some medicine to a friend's mom and the ends of our insulin pens to another friend (we are not dealers-no money is exchanged!) (Hahaha!).  I forgot to take into account that it was spring break, (other envelope workers are gone) and that it would take longer.  Lucky I had Mary Claire to help! : )  We whizzed right through them in about an hour, then headed for the library-she was so excited.

We toured, found new fiction, got Clay some heavy-duty fiction-a couple new ones (one about a train and this one!), and got Ethan some picture books: LMNO Peas, Too Purpley, How to Teach a Slug to Read, Little Mouse and the Big Cupcake, and The Wonderful Book.  I love that they set up the newest books in a special section-they are almost all new to us!  Not that I don't love some favorite authors.  One of the picture books Mary Claire chose was Ponyella (by Laura Numeroff!), it was a spin-off of Cinderella, but with horses-so cute!  What a good class assignment: choose a fairy tale, and change the characters to write a new story with animals, talking foods, etc.  It was cute, and I loved the vocabulary and how they changed up all the magical fun!  (She also got this, this, two of these, and this.)  We got so many books, we had to buy an extra bag on the way out!  Waiting for the elevator...

And then as we were driving away, I noticed these beautiful flowers..

..and thought if there were little bits here and there at the library..the Square must be so much better!  We drove on up the hill, and I was right.  They haven't peaked quite yet, but beautiful!  I needed some colorful happy.  Enjoy:

Tulips...Spring is coming!

Don't you love this tree just full of big, fluffy white blooms?

so much color!

Then a trip to Mom's to help her get ready for her trip..and she's off!  Then we met Ches and the boys at the movies.  We saw Wimpy Kid, Rodrick Rules!  I have to say I liked it at least twice as much as Rango.  I forgot to tell you much about that (but they used the words h*ll and d*mn-I wasn't happy!)  We are talking about an animated cartoon, and not during a busy scene where they'd be glossed over-it was loud and clear.  Disappointed me big-time.  BUT-I laughed my head off at the Wimpy Kid!  I mean, the whole thing was fun-the parents, the kids, friends (and enemies), the talent show, the party at their house (with no alcohol, but tons of fun)..ahh, it was great.  I think I saw myself in the mom, and the older brother Roderick tells his mom, "but I showered yesterday!" and we looooked at Clay!  You should see it.  Funny stuff.

Then we had dinner out, took some library books in with us and read..just fun!  I loved that the boys liked what we got them.  Then, more shopping..I had to use a Gymboree rewards certificate before tomorrow (and found the cutest brown zebra dress that just came out yesterday, and would go SO well with that dress I got in Florida from J.Crew!) (even for Easter, but Gymboree wouldn't count it for the Easter Dresses 30% off-sadness.)  I'll have to wait for Gymbucks time since I have to save something to buy then! : )
Finally, Wal-Mart and Home.  Long, sweet day with my girl (and boys).  So thankful for time with them this week.  We still have two days...what should we do?

Branson, Books, and a Birthday

I did indeed shop till I dropped on Friday!  My friend called me at 5am to see if I was leaving yet (ha!), and I told her I wasn't leaving till 7!  Once we talked for a while, I was awake, got around, and left town!  I was in Branson meeting her by 7:40.  It was the Best Sunrise and a great drive-there were no other cars, it was so peaceful.  I wanted to stop to take pictures of the sunrise, but I didn't want to take the time-Shopping was waiting!

We started at the sales that ended at 8, then 10, then 12.  That pretty much determined our path-they should get together and decided when to end based on location-it's total work to shlep from one side of the outlet mall to the other!  We did really well (40% off the entire Tommy Hilfiger store, plus an extra 25% off before 10am! and 50% off all of Banana Republic, got big jar Yankee Candles for $11 each, Bass shoes were buy 1, get 2 free and $20 off before 12, etc.).  I just love outlets.  I feel like I get more for my money-this is why I don't shop at the mall.  And it's nice to have the time-I Really Appreciate my husband understanding this need to hunt and gather!  I feel like it's my job to spend my husband's hard-earned money wisely. ; )


Saturday was a HUGE catch-up day: including no make-up and some deep (room) cleaning!  We worked on Mary Claire's room (to some pureNRG music!)-it was SO messy.  I only clean it for her 2-3 times a year, then she has to maintain it-very hard for her.  She loves to read and play, and it just gets out of hand.  She had dirty clothes in all kinds of places!  In her doll tub, dress-up basket, under her desk and bed, everywhere!  So that's where all her fall clothes had disappeared to.  We straightened up her desk, her dresser, closet, book shelves..I pulled about 2-3 bookshelves worth of picture books from her shelves and moved them to Ethan's room.  He hasn't read a lot of them, and it's his turn.  He inherited the twenty-something Arthur books, and all my old teaching picture books.  She'd even smuggled a few of his Curious George books into her room!
This meant I had to find room in his room for all the new books.  I had to clean out his armoire-So Hard.  I cleaned out baby blankets, onesies, old jammies, socks, crib sheets, waterproof liners, shoes, etc.  I allowed one tub of memories to pack, and the rest will go to someone else's house.  Ethan got to pick two blankets to keep, but there were so many!  I will say, it looks awful nice in there now.  I need to take pictures, because it won't last long!

Ahh..time for my first baby to turn the big 1-0.  I can't believe it's gone this fast-I always hear that, but it's true.  We had his birthday party a couple weeks ago for the new movie, Megamind, but tomorrow is the Real Thing.  He got to pick a restaurant for his birthday dinner, and he picked PF Changs.  He wanted to go today, since he has basketball practice tomorrow night (and he's going!), and didn't want to have to rush.  He's so grown up. : )  He was so cute-he kept asking about dessert-they like to get the little mini desserts-all chocolate!  I like that they don't have to share, and they all get the same amount! : )

Mary Claire wanted me to take her picture so she could use the Megamind app: it puts your face on Megamind's body, then it changes your look-hilarious!

Happy 10th Birthday, Clay!

And the wiggle worm!  He kept playing with the little boy behind us! (the Best reason to get a booth!) : )

Mmmm...dessert.  Chocolate Mousse.

Ches also ran into William-Sonoma to get me a set of pans that were (Very Much) on sale for me for Christmas.  No, I haven't looked at them, I just made a short Christmas list including pans, gloves, new tires, and some new curved-tip embroidery scissors.  I'm not real picky.  Sometimes I can be high-maintenance, but there's not that much I need! : )  I can't see buying junk for gifting purposes, it seems wasteful!  Especially when there are things I'd like to have, and I'd use!

Then we went to Target-I'm feeling lazy.  I got a gift card for Mary Claire's teacher, in case I don't get her anything made.  I'm not feeling crafty, even though I have so many new things to applique!  I think I'm still tired from Friday.  I went to bed last night after I read to Clay (a really good new book: My One Hundred Adventures by Polly Horvath), at about 8pm!  And today, I got a nap!  Such a good one, I was asleep when the crazy decision was made to let Mary Claire skip Girl Scouts for playing in her (clean) room!  She's decided she really likes it in there, so she didn't want to go, and Ches being so nice, said ok!  When I got up to go get her, I discovered she'd never left. : (  I guess we all need a break now and then, so I'll let it go.

We read more of the book tonight-and that girl (Jane) is positively adorable!  I like that she prays, and that she's a normal little girl, watching for signs that God is listening to her.  She does have adventures, and sometimes the chapters end with a surprise!  (most times, they do!)  Sometimes I know books for my kids are going to be good, or I've read them before, but this was a happy accident.  Such a joy!

Great weekend, and time with family.  We are blessed.
And now for Clay's real birthday tomorrow!  He's requested a breakfast birthday dinner since we did his eating-out birthday dinner today.  I'll try to make him happy! : )
 

Cookies and Books

Only two days till Walk day! : ) How exciting!

Today I drove all around delivering shirts-I love to get to see my friends!  I made three new bows for a friends, and found a birthday present for Clay's friend for a party this weekend (he just adores this sweet friend!), and I got some games for our Bunko's contribution to the Silent Auction/International Dinner on Saturday night-I never just have one thing going on!

Clay had a great day too-he got to eat lunch with Gigi and Papa, and he got to sell tickets to all the grandparents!  His teacher asked who should sell tickets-and one of his friends suggested him and said he was good with math and money (!).  Awww, so sweet!  (After his math last year, I was surprised!)  He did fine, and sold for the other grades too.  He was so proud of himself.  He needed a self-esteem boost. : )

Ches took the kids swimming this afternoon while I worked on bows.  He's good to take over when I need it sometimes. : )  He'd been home all day mowing and riding and sleeping-and I needed some quiet.  It was perfect, and I'm thankful!

Ches was gone again tonight for a training, and we took it easy.  (I'm so tired!)  We had a smorgasbord for dinner (chicken nuggets, salad, fruit, leftover lasagna, sugar snap peas, etc.), then we read aloud for over an hour.  I made some oatmeal raisin cookies, and they got jammied and brushed their teeth.  It was good, except Ethan kept bouncing out of bed, and sneaking into my room. I finally let him get on the bed, and he just talked non-stop.  He's a sweetie.  Ches got home a little after ten, and took him to bed.  He's finally asleep!

I just remembered that I forgot (does that sound funny?) to give the kids baths and wash their hair!  In the summer when we swim every day, I skip days, and don't worry about stinky stiff pool hair-but NOT for school!  I'll have to wake them up early tomorrow.  I just can't do it all-I sure try though.  Some things give me guilt, but not all of them.  I did read lots and lots of books.  Doesn't that make up for it!? :)

ps-and can I say I'm SO excited that we are still having people register for the JDRF Walk to Cure this Saturday?  Yay!  Come on out to Mary Claire's Party!  (and wear turquoise or zebra stripes-we are out of shirts!)  I pledge to buy extras to sell or use last-minute next year-I'm still getting requests, and I hate not having more!

It's still a Monday, just a day late

Maybe I should have taken off on Labor Day?  I'm tired!  And it was Monday folder night (yes, even if we skip Monday, folders still come home!).  Directory papers, sign-ups, GT renewal, nurse papers (for both!), book fair, grandparents' luncheon, conference time sign-up, Odyssey of the Mind meeting, cheer clinic (during the Walk!), homework/tests, need I go on?

*Yay, the Phillies won, so they are in the lead in their division!* (Ches is happy)


We went by the JDRF office, picked up some walker brochures with envelopes, went to the library to drop off books, pick new ones, and enjoy some books in the sun on the comfy couch (and ottoman!), then to Arsaga's in the lobby.  (Their banana bread is really good-and it's on sale right now!)  Then to Wal-Mart to return a movie to RedBox, and get more dirt (isn't it hilarious that we pay for dirt?!)  (but it's good dirt that holds moisture and fertilizes!).  Oh-and I bought a Halloween magazine with ideas for the fall party that I agreed to!  I think I'll do those cute little monsters.  We can have cute cupcakes that are all different (or they can decorate them with food bits!), I'll have to actually read the book, but Ethan liked it.  I think I'll do a game where they have names of Halloween things, or book characters on their foreheads or backs, and they have to guess who they are. : )  I'll have to make a list of characters in their reading level.  Arthur and Curious George are out.  heehee  (I'm so glad I still have a baby in that level!)


It's funny how my evening flies by every night-I make lunches when they walk in from school and I'm emptying their lunch boxes, then I make them a snack, then I work on laundry, make dinner, clean the kitchen, play games & fold laundry, snack, brush teeth, read books, bed.  We eat a lot, don't we? : )


Then my personal time tonight was spent on Monday folders (and a teensy bit of computer time..).  But I still had time to talk to you, so it was all worth it!


Sweet books that are pretty new, that we enjoyed today:
Big Wolf and Little Wolf (big wolf's heart softened!)
Sweet Dreams Lullaby (beautiful, sweet pictures-love, love, love!  reminds me of Carter's jammies)
Why? (including "why do feet stink?" Ethan loved that one!)
Once Upon a Baby Brother (good, but above Ethan's head-I think Mary Claire or early writers would love it!)  (I'm thinking I might read this to Mary Claire's class on October 15th-I need to pick a book-do you have a good one?  I am not reading in there again for a while, so I don't think a chapter book is a great choice, unless I'm just getting them hooked.)


Gosh, I love books.  Sweet times with my kiddos, taking us to dreamy places, teaching us-I'm still a reader!  (I'm finishing Nanny Returns right now!) (Maybe you could call it Between Bible Studies?) heehee