Well, it is really winter out there! Currently, almost 4:30 in the afternoon, it is 12 degrees, with a wind chill of -5 (fahrenheit, for all my Canadian friends.) It is so cold out, and getting so much colder tonight, that I actually moved the hens inside until Tuesday morning. They will be more than ready to return to their coop by then, I'm sure.
Mattie has been working really hard at doing nothing. She just had a snack and her pain meds. We plan on removing the bandages in a little while. She was quite funny in the recovery room, as she kept noticing the bandages. Every time she saw them, she would proclaim, "That's a lot of bandages!" or something like that. It will be good to be rid of them!
We have chili in the slow cooker, and it smells MARVELOUS! I've been working on a recipe, since the seasoning packet I used to use, but always intended to get rid of in favor of scratch, contained gluten. Mark and Mattie both tasted it a little while ago, and said it was great. We'll see what we have after it has cooked a while longer. We may have a winner!
After a delay, caused by the holidays and the weather, my free Hershey's Spread sample, from Crowdtap and Hershey's, finally arrived yesterday! So far, I've tasted it on pretzels, pear, and a cracker... oh, and a spoon. :) It doesn't taste quite like a Hershey's bar, but it is amazing. Great for a quick fix of chocolate! I can't wait to try it on a few other things. Apple is next, I believe, then I'm going to have to bake some cookies or something! I can't wait to try the hazelnut variety, either. New addiction? Maybe!!
So, we have football on TV, snow on the ground, and chickens in the house. Talk about random!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Long time, no post!
Wow. It has been a long time since I posted. Yikes.
We've survived another Christmas! Christmas Eve was spent with Mark's family. We always have a formal dinner, then open presents. It was fantastic to see everyone and have the chance to catch up. Christmas morning was... weird. It was Mattie's first Christmas morning as the only child. She woke us up and we let her open a few gifts, then went to my parents' house for our annual brunch. It was an epic fail, and the decision was made to just go to Ihop next year. We have a full year to break it to mom and dad. I hate to end the tradition, but it was just too much for them this year.
We also visited with Tess and Tracy, and Mattie got to spend a little time with her father. When we returned home, we had Christmas with McKelvie, Britain, Nicole and Jake. We're going to have to work on that plan, too. It is time for us to pick a time that will work for everyone once they have children of their own. I loved our Christmas morning traditions, but always hated making the girls leave their gifts Christmas morning to go see family.
New Year's Eve is just a few days away. I am really excited for 2014! We will be homeschooling Mattie, which means a whole new schedule and way of life for us. She will be having surgery next week, and will be in physical therapy for a few months, according to the surgeon. While I don't like the idea of her having surgery, she has been in pain for almost a year. It is well past time for this.
Speaking of Mattie, her gluten free diet is going wonderfully. I'm not sure she really misses it most of the time. We've gotten quite good at avoiding gluten. There are times that are pretty tough, but for the most part, it is easy. The taste and texture of gluten free isn't the same, but we are used to it, and some things actually taste better, in my opinion.
One of my goals for 2014 is to grow my Thirty-One business. Thanks to Thirty-One, we were able to give good gifts to the family this year, and it has helped greatly with every day expenses. Best of all, though, is that I have been able to hold a few fund raisers. It makes me so happy to be able to donate my commission to projects I believe in. This year, I was able to help a sick friend, donate to the building project at Martin Luther, and just recently held a fundraiser for Camp Mintahama. The best thing about Thirty-One, though, is the friendships I have made. I love my team. It is like having an extended family ready to cheer you on or pray for you no matter what you are facing.
So, there it is. My first post in ages. I promise to not be quite so random about posting in the future!! Happy New Year, everyone!!
We've survived another Christmas! Christmas Eve was spent with Mark's family. We always have a formal dinner, then open presents. It was fantastic to see everyone and have the chance to catch up. Christmas morning was... weird. It was Mattie's first Christmas morning as the only child. She woke us up and we let her open a few gifts, then went to my parents' house for our annual brunch. It was an epic fail, and the decision was made to just go to Ihop next year. We have a full year to break it to mom and dad. I hate to end the tradition, but it was just too much for them this year.
We also visited with Tess and Tracy, and Mattie got to spend a little time with her father. When we returned home, we had Christmas with McKelvie, Britain, Nicole and Jake. We're going to have to work on that plan, too. It is time for us to pick a time that will work for everyone once they have children of their own. I loved our Christmas morning traditions, but always hated making the girls leave their gifts Christmas morning to go see family.
New Year's Eve is just a few days away. I am really excited for 2014! We will be homeschooling Mattie, which means a whole new schedule and way of life for us. She will be having surgery next week, and will be in physical therapy for a few months, according to the surgeon. While I don't like the idea of her having surgery, she has been in pain for almost a year. It is well past time for this.
Speaking of Mattie, her gluten free diet is going wonderfully. I'm not sure she really misses it most of the time. We've gotten quite good at avoiding gluten. There are times that are pretty tough, but for the most part, it is easy. The taste and texture of gluten free isn't the same, but we are used to it, and some things actually taste better, in my opinion.
One of my goals for 2014 is to grow my Thirty-One business. Thanks to Thirty-One, we were able to give good gifts to the family this year, and it has helped greatly with every day expenses. Best of all, though, is that I have been able to hold a few fund raisers. It makes me so happy to be able to donate my commission to projects I believe in. This year, I was able to help a sick friend, donate to the building project at Martin Luther, and just recently held a fundraiser for Camp Mintahama. The best thing about Thirty-One, though, is the friendships I have made. I love my team. It is like having an extended family ready to cheer you on or pray for you no matter what you are facing.
So, there it is. My first post in ages. I promise to not be quite so random about posting in the future!! Happy New Year, everyone!!
Friday, April 19, 2013
What a week.
This has been a long, sad week for our country.
We are watching coverage of the search for the second suspect from the Boston Marathon bombing. Things are so intense right now that there hasn't been any mention this morning of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. I also haven't heard anything today about the devastating flooding in Chicago and other areas or the tornadoes from earlier this week.
Really, nothing random to this post, just a request for everyone to pray for the United States and all of our emergency responders.
We are watching coverage of the search for the second suspect from the Boston Marathon bombing. Things are so intense right now that there hasn't been any mention this morning of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. I also haven't heard anything today about the devastating flooding in Chicago and other areas or the tornadoes from earlier this week.
Really, nothing random to this post, just a request for everyone to pray for the United States and all of our emergency responders.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Spring has SPRUNG!
I know I've been AWOL for a while.. Sorry about that! I've just been busy with about twenty different things and keep forgetting to blog. See, not even procrastinating, just forgetting.
Yup, spring is finally here. Our yard is full of wildflowers, the birds are nesting, and severe thunderstorm watches and warnings are in the air. I cleaned out the van today, and tucked the ice scrapers under the back seat. And, the final sure sign of spring? There have been streams of motorcycles going up and down the highway in front of the house.
My price-matching and coupon use is going great. I have gotten so good at it that I rarely pay full-price for anything. It is common for me to save 80% on things I would be buying anyway. Walmart has even paid me to carry things out of the store. I am having a lot of fun!
My other venture, Thirty-One, is also going very well. In my first 30 days, I earned the cost of my enrollment kit back, got paid, and received a kit for having three parties during the first month. I am loving getting to see all my friends for the parties, and am making new friends. Plus, I am getting a bunch of awesome Thirty-One products. Love, love, LOVE!
Miss Nicole has moved back home for a short time. Not that you can really tell, since she is gone more than home, but it is nice to have her here. And she and Mattie have been able to spend a lot more time together. Hearing their laughter from the other room is priceless.
Short and sweet? Heck, yeah. But I am leaving you with a couple random pics from my yard. Happy Spring!
Yup, spring is finally here. Our yard is full of wildflowers, the birds are nesting, and severe thunderstorm watches and warnings are in the air. I cleaned out the van today, and tucked the ice scrapers under the back seat. And, the final sure sign of spring? There have been streams of motorcycles going up and down the highway in front of the house.
My price-matching and coupon use is going great. I have gotten so good at it that I rarely pay full-price for anything. It is common for me to save 80% on things I would be buying anyway. Walmart has even paid me to carry things out of the store. I am having a lot of fun!
My other venture, Thirty-One, is also going very well. In my first 30 days, I earned the cost of my enrollment kit back, got paid, and received a kit for having three parties during the first month. I am loving getting to see all my friends for the parties, and am making new friends. Plus, I am getting a bunch of awesome Thirty-One products. Love, love, LOVE!
Miss Nicole has moved back home for a short time. Not that you can really tell, since she is gone more than home, but it is nice to have her here. And she and Mattie have been able to spend a lot more time together. Hearing their laughter from the other room is priceless.
Short and sweet? Heck, yeah. But I am leaving you with a couple random pics from my yard. Happy Spring!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Almost spring?
We've had a couple busy and exciting weeks around here. My niece, and child of my heart, Tiffany, has been selling Thirty-One Gifts for a few months, and introduced me to their products. I fell in love. She took me to a meeting with area consultants, and after a lot of thought, prayer, and discussion with Mark, I decided to become a consultant, too. I can't remember being so excited to get a package as I was when I opened my big pink box full of Thirty-One products. I got some really cute and very useful bags! Check my website out: www.mythirtyone.com/KennaPeters
My pantry is finally full after three months of almost exclusively purchasing things that are on sale and/or I have a coupon, and price-matching fresh fruits, veggies and meat. I refuse to hoard canned goods like the folks you see on TV, but now, when one of us needs something, there is about an 80% chance that we have it in the pantry.We also have more variety than we used to, because I am able to buy things I at a greatly reduced price that a few months ago, I would never have purchased due to expense.
Loved the snow we got the other day... finally. It was on the ground for several days, with most of it melting yesterday. We've still got snow on the north side of the house, yet we had the doors open most of the day today. Nicole and I took Little Bit for a long walk this afternoon, and we were amazed at the number of flowers we found in bloom. Most were small wildflowers, mind you, but they were beautiful.. Now that we have had a couple snow-days, I am ready for Spring. Bring it!
I think tonight, I am going to pamper myself a little. It has been a long time since I painted my toenails. Historically, I have not been much of a girly-girl, but I kept my toenails painted all the time as I kind of secret, I guess... I mean, when you are wearing a hardhat and steel-toe boots, the paint on your toes is about the only feminine thing about you. I can't really remember why I stopped, but I suspect it was surgery-related. Anyway, I am pretty stoked about the idea that I am going to do something that doesn't benefit the household in any way. Sometimes, it feels like everything I do is for someone else. It is time I spoil myself a little. I might even have to sneak some good chocolate while I am waiting for my toes to dry.
It's about time to start dinner. I guess if I get it done early, I will have more time to pamper myself later.
Have a great evening, and I will try to randomly post more often!
My pantry is finally full after three months of almost exclusively purchasing things that are on sale and/or I have a coupon, and price-matching fresh fruits, veggies and meat. I refuse to hoard canned goods like the folks you see on TV, but now, when one of us needs something, there is about an 80% chance that we have it in the pantry.We also have more variety than we used to, because I am able to buy things I at a greatly reduced price that a few months ago, I would never have purchased due to expense.
Loved the snow we got the other day... finally. It was on the ground for several days, with most of it melting yesterday. We've still got snow on the north side of the house, yet we had the doors open most of the day today. Nicole and I took Little Bit for a long walk this afternoon, and we were amazed at the number of flowers we found in bloom. Most were small wildflowers, mind you, but they were beautiful.. Now that we have had a couple snow-days, I am ready for Spring. Bring it!
I think tonight, I am going to pamper myself a little. It has been a long time since I painted my toenails. Historically, I have not been much of a girly-girl, but I kept my toenails painted all the time as I kind of secret, I guess... I mean, when you are wearing a hardhat and steel-toe boots, the paint on your toes is about the only feminine thing about you. I can't really remember why I stopped, but I suspect it was surgery-related. Anyway, I am pretty stoked about the idea that I am going to do something that doesn't benefit the household in any way. Sometimes, it feels like everything I do is for someone else. It is time I spoil myself a little. I might even have to sneak some good chocolate while I am waiting for my toes to dry.
It's about time to start dinner. I guess if I get it done early, I will have more time to pamper myself later.
Have a great evening, and I will try to randomly post more often!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Glad we like cereal!
If you've been following my adventures with couponing, today was a fun one... if you like cereal. This week, Target has General Mills cereals on sale $2.50/box. That's a pretty good price, right? Well, not good enough for me. I printed off three Target store coupons from Target.com. Each gave me $1 off the purchase of three General Mills cereals. But I wanted to buy five boxes (You'll understand in a moment) So, I picked up four boxes of Total Raisin Bran and one box of Whole Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios. The normal price for five boxes of these cereals at Target would be $14.95. On sale, they were $12.50. Subtract one of the $1 off 3 coupons, bringing the total to $11.50. But that still was not good enough for me. I added four coupons for $1 off one box of Total and $1 off one box of Cheerios, bringing the total to $6.50. Nope, still not done. See, the reason I wanted five boxes is because this week, Target is offering a $5 gift card with the purchase of five boxes of General Mills cereals. So, I paid a grand total, after subtracting the value of the gift card (to be used on my next transaction) of $1.50, or $0.30 per box. The totally disappointing thing was that I had coupons worth $1.25 off one box of a variety they didn't have on the shelf. Had I been able to use four of those (four is the maximum of "like coupons" allowed in one transaction at Target) , the per-box price would have been brought down to TEN CENTS!!!
So... we now have fifteen boxes of various types of General Mills cereals. Now, if only I could find affordable milk!
My middle daughter and her best friend just signed a lease for an apartment in Springfield. They won't be moving for a while, thank goodness... I'm not sure I am ready for her to live so far away. I told them to get a sofa with a hideaway bed because I plan on visiting a lot. In the meantime, I am going to take every opportunity I can to spend extra time with them. They are a couple of very cool young women.
This long weekend has been wonderful. Mattie was starting to really look tired, but after having multiple chances to sleep, or just totally relax, she is looking much better. Plus, I have been able to spend a lot of time with her. She, too, is well on her way to "Awesome Young Woman" status. It won't be long before I am bemoaning her moving out, as well. An empty nest has never appealed to me. I love having my home full of laughter and minor messes. I can't imagine how quiet it will be around here with just Mark and myself.
On the "GREAT NEWS" front, I saw my oncologist, Dr. Skelley, last week. He did his thorough check up, and said I was good to go for six months. Today, I saw Dr. Dandridge, my oncological surgeon. I have been seeing him every four months for quite some time. This time, he said I don't have to go back for six months! You have no idea how awesome this is. I was told, in the beginning, that I would be seeing my oncological team once a year by the end of five years post-treatment. But, of course, I have to be special. It has taken me eight years to get to every 6 months. Actually, my last chemo treatment was 8 years ago on Valentine's Day.
Enough randomness for one day. I've got to go switch the laundry and such... Have a great week!
So... we now have fifteen boxes of various types of General Mills cereals. Now, if only I could find affordable milk!
My middle daughter and her best friend just signed a lease for an apartment in Springfield. They won't be moving for a while, thank goodness... I'm not sure I am ready for her to live so far away. I told them to get a sofa with a hideaway bed because I plan on visiting a lot. In the meantime, I am going to take every opportunity I can to spend extra time with them. They are a couple of very cool young women.
This long weekend has been wonderful. Mattie was starting to really look tired, but after having multiple chances to sleep, or just totally relax, she is looking much better. Plus, I have been able to spend a lot of time with her. She, too, is well on her way to "Awesome Young Woman" status. It won't be long before I am bemoaning her moving out, as well. An empty nest has never appealed to me. I love having my home full of laughter and minor messes. I can't imagine how quiet it will be around here with just Mark and myself.
On the "GREAT NEWS" front, I saw my oncologist, Dr. Skelley, last week. He did his thorough check up, and said I was good to go for six months. Today, I saw Dr. Dandridge, my oncological surgeon. I have been seeing him every four months for quite some time. This time, he said I don't have to go back for six months! You have no idea how awesome this is. I was told, in the beginning, that I would be seeing my oncological team once a year by the end of five years post-treatment. But, of course, I have to be special. It has taken me eight years to get to every 6 months. Actually, my last chemo treatment was 8 years ago on Valentine's Day.
Enough randomness for one day. I've got to go switch the laundry and such... Have a great week!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
They're acting like kids!
I'm sitting on the sofa, watching my 13- and 19-year-old daughters wrestling on the floor. Some things never change. They were playing Wii, now they are torturing each other. I was afraid that the days of watching my children playing on the floor were long-gone. This has done my heart good.
So, what's up with the weather? This is the second year in a row with virtually no winter here in the middle of the country. I don't mean to complain, but I really love being snowed in with the family. Everyone focuses just a bit more on each other, and things slow down. As I am writing this, though, I am aware that a winter storm is hitting some of my friends. I hope you are all safe and worm.
I was in the "Big City" yesterday, shopping for deals. I was a bit disappointed at the lack of deals I found, but I did have one pretty sweet shopping experience. I got two bottles of NatureMade vitamins and two bags of Valentine's Day M&Ms for $2.10. When I got to the car, I realized I had forgotten to use a coupon that would have made the entire purchase totally free. Still, the pre-coupon total was more than $30. Not bad, if I do say so myself. I have also been using the price list I get from Weekly Saver. At Walmart, with the list, I am able to save a ton of money by price-matching. If you are in the Monett or Springfield area, look them up on Facebook: Weekly Saver or email a request a free trial list to weeklysaver@yahoo.com
A lot of work goes into the list, and Rhema only charges $3 per week for the lists. I saved that much last week on Avocados, alone. Tell her Kenna sent you!
Finally, I found PUL fabric in Springfield last week. I got so excited when I saw it, I bought two yards. Then I went back for another half yard. Now.... I have 2 1/2 yards of specialty fabric and don't know what I am going to do with it. I made my grumdaughter a crayon roll-up with a place for paper. I am working on several ideas, but haven't gotten to the "cut it out" stage yet. I hope to have something major done by the end of the weekend.
Well, not much randomness here. My 13-year-old has my 19-year-old on her back, and someone is going to get hurt. I guess it is time for Mom to step in. Have a great one!
So, what's up with the weather? This is the second year in a row with virtually no winter here in the middle of the country. I don't mean to complain, but I really love being snowed in with the family. Everyone focuses just a bit more on each other, and things slow down. As I am writing this, though, I am aware that a winter storm is hitting some of my friends. I hope you are all safe and worm.
I was in the "Big City" yesterday, shopping for deals. I was a bit disappointed at the lack of deals I found, but I did have one pretty sweet shopping experience. I got two bottles of NatureMade vitamins and two bags of Valentine's Day M&Ms for $2.10. When I got to the car, I realized I had forgotten to use a coupon that would have made the entire purchase totally free. Still, the pre-coupon total was more than $30. Not bad, if I do say so myself. I have also been using the price list I get from Weekly Saver. At Walmart, with the list, I am able to save a ton of money by price-matching. If you are in the Monett or Springfield area, look them up on Facebook: Weekly Saver or email a request a free trial list to weeklysaver@yahoo.com
A lot of work goes into the list, and Rhema only charges $3 per week for the lists. I saved that much last week on Avocados, alone. Tell her Kenna sent you!
Finally, I found PUL fabric in Springfield last week. I got so excited when I saw it, I bought two yards. Then I went back for another half yard. Now.... I have 2 1/2 yards of specialty fabric and don't know what I am going to do with it. I made my grumdaughter a crayon roll-up with a place for paper. I am working on several ideas, but haven't gotten to the "cut it out" stage yet. I hope to have something major done by the end of the weekend.
Well, not much randomness here. My 13-year-old has my 19-year-old on her back, and someone is going to get hurt. I guess it is time for Mom to step in. Have a great one!
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