Happy Valentine's Day at the Texas Roadhouse!

First of all...I did it y'all. I cut out my curls today. Can you believe it? Truthfully, they're still there, but I had my hair cut and straightened today. I like it so much better than my curls. Missy is the best!!


I told you the other day I won a dinner at the Texas Roadhouse for an essay I had written. They were having a contest and I entered the essay, honestly not expecting to win. I just liked writing our story. Anyway, tonight was the night we received the award for that it was the tastiest award I've had yet. LOL

Hannah took this pic of me and my Valentine. Good one, huh?


She took this one while he was talking. It just cracked us up so I thought I'd share it with you too.


This one is out of order somehow, but OK...

Me and my sweetheart.

We got tickled at this one too because he looks like a chicken ready to peck my head.

I played with the camera on the way and took some silly pics. This is Bruce singing with the radio.

Me

Hmmmm

Bruce says this is a "Hannah smile."

Blowing kisses at my Darlin'.

Final destination: Texas Roadhouse. We didn't have to wait in line at all. As soon as I told the young lady at the desk our name, she knew exactly who we were and they seated us immediately. Cool, huh?

I was totally shocked to see they had rose petals and little lighted candles on the table. I wasn't expecting that.

They also had this beautiful bouquet of flowers.

And balloons! We felt special that the servers would stop and say hi and congratulations to us. They were all so nice!

The waitress was kind enough to take our picture.

They started us with an appetizer of yeast rolls and cheese fries. Yum! We chose the 12 oz Ribeye smothered in onions, mushrooms, and cheese with loaded baked potato and salad.

Bruce enjoying his meal!

This was the manager and she was wonderful. Very sweet. She made sure everything was just right and romantic for us while we enjoyed our meal. Hopefully she'll remember what I wrote my blog addy on and see these pics.

Thank you so much for a wonderful evening. We love your restaurant and will definitely be back!

Me

This was Brandi. She was our waitress and she was GREAT! I don't think our glasses were empty at all. She was quick with the food too, making sure everything was to our liking. GREAT waitress! We made sure she had a GREAT tip! She deserved it.

Bruce and I were so full, but still managed to share a slice of strawberry cheesecake.

We had such a great time. If y'all have a Texas Roadhouse near you, be sure to stop by and order some of their yummy food. I know you'll love it!

Thanks again, Texas Roadhouse for a wonderful evening. We had a really good time and everything was PERFECT!

Going home

Here's a better shot of the flowers. Aren't they lovely?

OK, so several people asked me to show my essay. I would have shown it to you sooner, but I wanted to wait until our dinner. So for all you inquisitive minds.....here ya go!

I was working at Harris Teeter while in high school. I was in a horse riding accident and was out of work for several weeks. My first day back I was ringing up a customer and just felt like someone was staring at me. I looked up and there was this new guy standing at the time clock getting ready to punch out. Sure enough, he was the one staring!

Being the feisty red head that I am, I snarled my nose and asked, "What are you looking at?" He just smiled a goofy smile and shrugged his shoulders. I shook my head and went about my business.

Little did I know that he was going to go home and tell his mom he had met the girl he was going to marry. Regardless of the fact that his dad told him to NEVER get involved with a red head!

From that day on, Bruce became a thorn in my flesh. He was a stock boy but every chance he had, he would make his way to my register to bag groceries and bug the hound out of me. Asking me out every few minutes. Telling the customers that he knew he was going to marry me. Blah, blah blah! It was so annoying.

I told my mom about him. She just laughed.

I finally had enough of this bag boy and decided to talk to my manager about him. I told Mr. Smith that if Bruce Morrow did not leave me alone I was quitting my job because I just couldn't deal with him every single day. Mr. Smith was nice about it and said he would talk to Bruce for me.

Shortly thereafter, Bruce came to me and apologized. "Kristi, I'm sorry for bothering you. I promise I won't talk to you any more. I just really liked you."

At first I was happy that he actually got the point. However, several days passed without even a hello from him. This bothered me as much as him talking non stop to me. I remember laying in bed at night not being able to sleep and thinking how rude he had been.

I told my mom about it. Again, she just laughed.

One day I decided to speak to Bruce about him not speaking to me. I told him he did not have to totally ignore me. A hello would be nice. Even a simple wave would be something. Just some kind of acknowledgement. Anything! He did start telling me hello. Eventually his hellos became more and he asked me out one more time. I told him I would go out with him if he would go to church with me and my family. He came! I was really surprised. That same Sunday after church, we walked the battleground at Kings Mountain state park. He walked me to a clearing overlooking a beautiful valley and asked me to wear his high school ring. I accepted it. I became his girlfriend March 12, 1989.

The first time he told me he loved me, he blurted it out in front of a customer at work. My eyes grew big when I looked up at him and his eyes were big too. Neither of us could believe he had just said it. Especially since his dad had always told him to "NEVER tell 'em you love 'em!" I thought it was cute that Bruce was blushing.

Our first kiss was in the break room of Harris Teeter. We were reading the newspaper together and our heads were getting closer and closer the longer we read. Finally, we turned to look at each other and it happened. He kissed me. And I kissed him right back! During this wonderful, very first kiss, we heard Mr. Smith's voice ringing behind us, "You better tell that Bruce Morrow to leave me alone or I'm going to quit." We all looked at each other with big smiles. Mr. Smith rolled his eyes and walked away. We continued kissing!

Bruce left for the Air Force two months later. What should have been a time of dates and getting to know each other was filled with lots of letters and phone calls. He graduated from Satellite Communications School in Biloxi, Mississippi, leaving for Germany soon after. But it wasn't long before he called to say he was coming home. He was home for a month and on February 13, 1990, we walked the battleground once again. We had not walked the battleground since he asked me to be his girlfriend. He walked me to that same clearing, overlooking that same beautiful valley, bent down on one knee and asked me to be his wife, replacing his class ring with an engagement ring.

We were married December 22, 1990.

It's been eighteen wonderful years with the good and the bad. And I wouldn't trade a single day for another.

My New Hood!

Justin replaced the hood on my car today. I was happy to see it when he came home from school today! All that's left is a little adjusting and then he can start painting it as soon as Bruce gets the supplies.


I'm really proud of Justin for the work he's put in on the car.

He even buffed my headlights and they look sooo much better!

BOYS!

Justin had a couple of friends over tonight after church to watch the Carolina Duke game.


From left to right is Evan, Justin, and Jeremy. Evan and Justin are Tar Heel fans. Jeremy is a Duke fan.



I have no idea what kind of smile this is. lol


Hi-five on Carolina! Jeremy thought if he stood up Duke would do better. So Evan and Justin stood up to cancel out his good vibes on Duke. It worked.

Time for a little horse play.

Jeremy wanted to squash Evan.

Justin wanted to squash Jeremy...who was squashing Evan...poor Evan.

I don't know what Justin was doing here, but he looked funny.

Justin was commenting on how skinny Evan was after he and Jeremy squashed him.

More horse play.

Evan getting ready to hit Jeremy. (Don't freak out Theresa...Evan didn't really hit him.)

Arm wrestling on Evan's head.

Hey, let's squash Evan again. LOL

The sad Duke fan.

The happy Carolina fans.

Every time these boys get together there is some kind of shenanigans going on. But they are such great boys. I'm thankful Justin has friends like them.

A Little Peek and I'm A Winner!

As you know, we've been working on our Valentine Banquet. The theme this year is Evening In Paris. It's going to be very pretty.

Mom was busy ironing table cloths.

This is my buddy, Kim. She was cutting gossamer....lots and lots of gossamer! But she did take a moment to smile for the camera. :)

This is Tammy C's window. But it does not stand alone. I just don't want to show a pic of the whole thing because it'll give too much away!

This is me under some awnings. One of which needs to be adjusted, I see.

The banquet is going to be so lovely! Can't wait.

OK, I have some cool news! A local steak house in our area was having a Valentine's Day contest for the best essay on how "...you and your love fell in love." I've always liked Bruce and my story anyway, so I thought it would be fun to just tell it to someone else. I wrote my essay and sent it in. Honestly, I had fun doing it, but I figured there would be so many people writing in for that free meal I probably wouldn't win. It was several weeks ago and truthfully I had forgotten all about it.

Well, yesterday when I came home from working at the church, Hannah stepped outside to tell me that this particular steak house called. At first I was wondering why they would be calling and then it dawned on me it must be because of the essay. I was right! I WON! I never win anything!!!

I was so excited. The manager just went on and on about our story and how it had them laughing in one place and little teary-eyed in others. She said they (the staff) voted unanimously that we should win.

So Friday night my Valentine and I will be having a romantic dinner for two. The manager said to call an hour before we came because they wanted to go the extra mile for us and they couldn't wait to meet us.

Now how cool is that?

*sigh*

I had a pretty busy today. I drove Justin to the college and headed back home to have school with the kids before heading to the church to work on the banquet. Instead of working on the banquet, I ended up at the church office. Mrs. Janet was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. The phone was ringing off the hook. The DVD copier that was copying DVDs for the shut ins was spitting out failed copies. The cricut we were using to cut out French words for the banquet decorations would not cooperate. People coming to cut the pews for the new sound system were running late. A special DVD Bruce and I burned this morning for some banquet entertainment would not work. It was crazy!

I will say that lunch with Janet and Mander was the highlight of the day. It was about 1:15 or so when we sat down to eat. I ate quickly because I had to pick Justin up from school.

I thought maybe things would be less chaotic. But I was wrong.

We drove to Wal Mart to pick up a Turbo Tax because they're usually cheaper than anyone else. But according to the Office Max circular, this was not the case, seeing Office Max was six dollars cheaper. Now, I know six bucks doesn't sound like a big deal, but you know...gotta get the best deal, right?

So anyway, we leave wal mart after running into several friends, of course, and left for Office Max. I was looking at the circular when I realized I had the circular in my hand at Wal Mart who would have honored it. OH well, too late, we're on our way.

So we get to Office Max where I point out to the girl working there exactly what I needed. "Sure, they're right over here." She took us to the display at the front of the store, handed us the Turbo Tax and we checked out. I was looking forward to getting home. There's just something about stepping into your home after a crazy day, huh?

Bruce got up to work on his car, looked at the Turbo Tax and informed me I had brought home the wrong one. Sure enough. She had handed me the wrong one. It was my fault though. I should have checked behind her, but I trusted her. After all, I did tell her exactly what I wanted and pointed it out to her. But it was an easy mistake.

I took the wrong Turbo Tax back to Office Max where the nice lady exchanged it for me with no problems. Then made my way back home where Bruce had been working on his truck. He informed me that his truck was no more. The engine block is cracked, not to mention he has a hole in his gas tank. Poor fella. He's been working on that truck or at least trying to work on it for weeks. I sat down for a little bit preparing for our family devotions (no, I do not lead our deovtions...just making that clear) and then it was time to fix supper. I burned the fries. Twice. Not all of them, mind you. Just most of them.

After supper I just didn't want to do anything. Except blog, of course. And now I think I'll go to bed. Hope y'all have a good night's rest. I know I will.

Coupon Deals

One bag of Bird's Eye Steamfresh Veggies $2.59

Two cans of Campbells's Select Harvest soups $5.18

Six cans Pillsbury Grands Biscuits $11.94

One box Jolly Time PopCorn $2.69

One 4pack Cottonelle Bath tissue $3.89

One tub Land O' Lakes Butter $2.39

Two Ortega Taco Kits $5.78

One box Honey Nut Cheerios $3.99

One Box Total Cinnamon Toast Crunch $4.79

Total BEFORE Taxes: $43.24

Total AFTER coupons and Taxes: $13.15

Where Did We Eat This Week?

Bruce and I had our weekly date tonight, even though he had to work. It was nice to squeeze in our routine. :)

As you can see we were wearing our red shirts for National Red Shirt Day in awareness of heart disease. Did you wear your red shirt today?

OK, for you local sinners that place wages on where we end up eating on Fridays, if you guessed Ham's Restaurant, you would be correct. Again, I fully expect a portion of your betting money. To give to the church.......of course. :P

Bruce outside of Ham's Restaurant.

Me in Ham's

This was our server, Wythisia. She was so sweet and funny. Had a great laugh and was a terrific server. HI WYTHISIA!! I told you you'd be famous tonight! Thanks for serving us with such a great smile and attitude.

I love their chips and ranch dip. Yum!

While we were dating, Hannah was babysitting Carissa while her parents and Celine were at the Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Bobcats game. Bobcats lost by like five points, I think.

Her curls are so pretty.

Check out that smile!

And one more cheese!

We had a good night tonight. Dinner was great and especially since we ran into four of Bruce's old school chums at Ham's, one of which he hasn't seen since graduation. Along with all of their little bitty ones. I was like WHOA, our kids are almost grown and they're kids are just starting out. We started our family way before them! LOL

Well, that's that. Tomorrow will be a busy day doing my grocery shopping and working at the fellowship building for our Valentine Banquet, which I am really excited about. It's going to be so pretty! I can't wait.

I Am What I Am And Here's Why part III

People usually don't have a problem with me being Baptist. It's when they hear I'm Independent Fundamental Baptist that they raise their eyebrow. "Oh, y'all don't believe in having fun, do you?" Yeah, I've heard that before. lol Anyway, I know that when most people read this they will take it personally and may be offended. Just remember...Psalm 119:165 "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I could really care less what kind of Baptist you are. Or even if you are something other than Baptist. Salvation is not based on what denomination you are, but whether or not you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour. If you have accepted Christ and been saved through His precious blood you're on your way to Heaven. If you have never done this, you're on your way to Hell. And this is the only thing about "you" that concerns me in reference to spiritual eternity! Don't let another moment pass without Jesus.

There are a lot of Baptist churches out there. Southern Baptist, Free Will Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Missionary Baptist, Independent Fundamental, etc, etc... Dr. Curtis Hutson once preached a message titled Things That Are Different Are Not The Same. This is true with Baptist churches.

Some Baptist churches added the words Independent and Fundamental to their name because a lot of Baptist churches today are not following God's Word. Therefore, the names, Independent Fundamental were given to set them apart from these churches. The IFB are holding on, or at least trying to hold on, to what historical Baptist churches were founded on. Some Baptist churches today are compromising the Word of God and some are even teaching false doctrine. The names Independent and Fundamental were added to Baptist so that it was known they were set apart from unsound groups.

We are Independent because we are not members of conventions, councils or hierarchy outside our local congregation. Each church governs itself. Independent Baptist churches pattern themselves after the NT example and stay under Scriptural authority.

We have two authorities in our church. Christ, who is the head of the church. And our Pastor (chief shepherd as mentioned in I Peter 5:4). Pastor Goodman is my Pastor and the overseer of our church congregation. (Heb 13:17, Acts 20:28, Eph 4:11) He does not answer to anyone for the direction he leads our church except our congregation and GOD. Each member of an Independent Baptist church has the right to vote on all matters that concern the church. We do not have committees!!

IFB churches fellowship with each other. We don't bring other preachers and evangelists in to stand behind our pulpits and teach their false doctrines. We do, however, have some WONDERFUL preachers that share each other's pulpits, evangelizing and sharing the gospel. But we don't bring in men from other denominations who are going to teach something opposite of what we believe. Even if it's on "just that one issue." We do not hold meetings with Protestants, Catholics, or church groups that are not sound in their doctrine. We practice Biblical separation as taught in "Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

The word Fundamental means we use the NT guidelines of the church as our authority in doctrine and practice. We should not be confused with churches and tv preachers that claim to be fundamentalist who do not hold to the NT teachings of doctrine and practice. Fundamental Baptists use the name in its strictest sense as meaning to hold soundly the fundamentals of the New Testament teachings without error.

OK, so that's why I am what I am. I am not challenging anyone to discuss or argue this particular post. However, if you disagree and would like to politely offer your comment, please feel free to do so and remember that scripture speaks louder to me than your opinion. As my Pastor often says, I would much rather hear one "..saith the Lord" than a thousand "In my opinions."

I Am What I Am And Here's Why part II

I've been enjoying this. When I was in school, History was always my favorite subject. Studying the battles and dates were my least favorite, but I enjoyed learning what led up to the battles and what happened after them. LOL This has been great for me and I'm enjoying reading and learning more about my Baptist heritage.

OK, now that you know what set Baptists apart from the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, let's move on to something else about us.

I posted that we did not come from the Roman Catholic church, nor did were we protest, making us Protestant. So what are we? WE'RE BAPTIST! lol

I believe it was David Benedict, a Baptist historian, who claimed that in the early 1800's a man name Cornell established a former Protestant church on Baptist principles. Apparently he did this after returning from an extended trip away from his church. When he came back, they had found them a new Pastor teaching the more Protestant doctrine. So he and some of the people there in that church that did not agree with infant baptism left that church and he started a Baptist church there in Rhode Island. I don't know if the original was in Rhode Island or not. Does anyone else know? Well, anyway!

The Roman Catholic churches, and the Protestant churches, were baptising people into the church, without them ever having been saved or becoming true believers. But this wasn't the only difference and need for separation from these churches. As a matter of fact, a lot of people were leaving their Protestant churches and finding or establishing Baptist churches to make it perfectly clear that they were following the New Testament in faith and worship.

There have always been Christians not associated with the Roman Catholic church and were never part of the Christianizing of the Roman Empire. The Roman Catholic church has so many pagan and idolatrous beliefs because the "church" hired pagan priests as their "ministers" during the time of the Christianization.

It was some years later that Martin Luther rebelled against the church, which as you know, led to the Protestant Reformation. Even though the Reformation was a good idea, pulling away from the Catholic church, there is still no Protestant church today that fully accepts the teachings of the New Testament in their doctrinal belief and are holding on to some of the pagan practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic church.

The Roman Catholic church teaches that the bread and wine used for their sacrament, literally turns into the actual body and blood of Christ. This is what they call transubstantiation (the transformation of the substance.) Protestants only slightly changed this false teaching. Although some Protestants disagree with transubstantiation, they still believe that the sacrament has some kind of saving power and/or spiritual benefit.

The taking of bread and wine (fruit juice) Of New Testament believers, is simply a memorial to the local church. A time to ponder and reflect on what Christ suffered for us at Calvary, until His return.

Both the Roman Catholic church and Protestant churches persecuted people that believed the Baptist principles. Baptists never persecuted anyone, but they were fair game to unscriptual churches.

I Am What I Am And Here's Why part 1

Being Baptist sets us apart from other denominations because we are not out of the Catholic church and we are not out of the Protestant movement. Here are some things that set us apart from everyone else. Some of these are accepted by some denominations, but only Baptist will accept all of them.

These were actually compiled by a Pastor in Utah. I whole heartily agree with what he says so this outline is a good start to these posts.

EDITED: Thank you, Garth, for your input. I apprecited that.

1. We accept only the BIBLE as our authority in all matters of faith and practice.
In other words, Baptists don't accept any authority except the Holy Scriptures. Christ is head of the Church, and the church is His bride. We believe the Word of God, in its entirety is complete and ". . . Is given of by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Baptists reject that God is giving supposed "new" Revelation, believing that God forbids any adding to or taking away of the canon of Scriptures. Rev. 22:18-19 We don't accept any authority over the New Testament Church, but Christ Himself, including popes, modern day prophets, or councils of churches.

2. We believe the church is to be made up of saved, baptized believers.
Baptists don't believe in the baptism of infants, (Pedobaptism)! The church is made up of only Baptized believers. Acts 2:41-42 A baby is not capable of believing, and is protected by the Grace of God until the age of accountability. Only those who have believed and trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior are a member of the body of Christ. Only the saved who have publicly professed salvation can be a member of a local New Testament Baptist church. Acts 2:41

3. We believe in strict separation of church and state.
Jesus said to ""render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17 "What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Cor. 6:14 No power on earth is higher than God's Word, and a church should not be in any way yoked or controlled by the state or civil authority in religious matters. Although we believe there is no higher power including state and civil authority, we also believe that we are to support civil authority and that we are to pray for them! 2 Peter 2:13-15 Even if we didn't vote them!!

4. We believe in priesthood of the believer.
The Bible teaches that every believer can go, "boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in the time of need" without needing or asking permission from anyone, such as priests and churchmen. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:19, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." The believer doesn't need a priest or a church to intercede on our behalf to God. The believer can boldly and instantly be in contact with God by prayer, and can bring our petitions or requests for forgiveness of sins directly to God himself. 1 John 1:9 No church has the authority to forgive sins or grant intercession to God.

5. We believe in the autonomy of the local church.
The Bible gives no higher authority than the local congregation of born again, baptized believers. We believe the local church is to be governed by the Word of God. We believe we are under the authority of God and responsible only to Him for our (the church) conduct.

One other characteristic is necessary for an assembly to call its self a true New Testament church. This distinctive is based on the truth that God will not, nor can He bless or be a party to doctrinal error. A true New Testament church will believe and follow the correct and proper instructions of God's Word. There are many churches that believe and practice false doctrines, do not practice biblical separation from worldliness, and hold to other unbiblical views. A true New Testament church's doctrine and practice will correctly follow the word of God. The New Testament stresses purity in faith and practice as Revelation 2-3 teaches. To five of the seven churches of Asia Jesus said He has things against them. He warned them...STRONGLY... to correct their failures or He would take action against them. A true church that has the blessings of the Lord will diligently seek purity in faith and practice. Those refusing to repent of their errors will not have the approval or the blessings of God.

I Am What I Am And Here's Why

I had commented on a friend's 25 Random Things About Me the other day. The last thing they wrote about themselves was "Organized religion can really really tick me off if I let it."

My reply, "I do not believe in organized religion, however, I do believe in conviction. Therefore, I am saved by the grace of God and an Independent Fundamental Baptist by conviction."

Later, I was asked by another friend who had read that comment, "What are Independent Fundamental Baptist convictions?"

My reply to him was, "...I probably should have just said that I am Baptist by conviction because of my doctrinal belief. But there are so many different baptists out there, I chose to identify myself with what I am and that is an Independent Fundamental Baptist..."

Now that I have set all of this up, I have decided to do a series of posts on my Baptist heritage and convictions. I don't know how long these posts will lasts, but I do believe it is important for all of us, Baptist or not, to know why we are what we are and to be "...ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh..." I Peter 3:15

It's funny because this topic was somewhat brought up on the snow tubing trip with the new couple that's been coming to church. There were some similarities between Joy and Bruce and how they were brought up and how the transition from one denomination to another took place in their lives.

I have always been Independent Fundamental Baptist. I was IFB when I was little because, well quite frankly, that's what my parents were. Now that I am an adult I am IFB for my own reasons. Most of which are by convictions and standards.

My standards may not be the same as yours. They do not make me a better Christian than you, nor do your standards make you a better Christian than me. They are my standards because God has dealt with me in areas of my life that I need to work on and, therefore, I may or may not do something the same way you would or would not. Just like He has dealt with areas in your life that you need to work on and, therefore, you may or may not do something the same way I would or would not. And that's ok. The Bible says in Philippinans 2:12, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

My convictions are what I am willing to lose my family over. Lose my friends over. Go to jail for. Die for. Which I'll elaborate on that in the series of posts I'll be much in prayer over!

These posts will not be to put out here to make any of my non-IFbaptist friends and family feel I am better or "more saved" than you. But rather answer the question for those who are wondering and also for myself as to why I am what I am.

Super Bowls, Decorating and Happy Birthday, Janet!

We were supposed to attend a Super Bowl party after evening service but we're still down to one vehicle. And since Bruce had to work last night we came on home and watched the game here before he had to leave. Well, I mostly cleaned the kitchen.
When the Panthers lost to the Cardinals a couple of weeks ago, sealing their fate on not going to the Super Bowl, I decided I would pull for the Cardinals. While cleaning the kitchen I listened to the game and my men as they hooped and carried on. It was so close for the Cardinals at one point. But alas, the Steelers pulled through and are now the Super Bowl champions of 2009. I suppose this means they're going to Disney World.


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Today was such a long day, but it was my own fault. Last night while blogging and gearing up for a day of couponing, I looked up and it was after 1:30 a.m. It was then that I realized I had to be up early to take Justin to the college so I could do my grocery shopping.

elapsed time

After dropping him off I headed to Dollar General and then the Dollar Tree. Two stores where I did not buy groceries, but it was early and they were opened. lol
I came home for a little bit to drop off some things I purchased for Hannah and headed back out to do my real shopping. I hit my first grocery store and not too much success there. Although it wasn't a total bust...my coupon deals there were one tube of Colgate toothpaste for $1.50 and two jars of Pace Picante sauce for $4.00. After coupons, the total without tax was $2.50. Then I hit my next store and, although I feel I did pretty good on groceries there, I didn't make any coupon deals.
:(
Just as I was walking out of the store it was time to pick Justin up. Good thing this grocery store was right across the street from the college. lol

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This evening we had a work night for our Valentine Banquet, which will be here before we know it! We had fun and actually accomplished a lot! Our theme this year is An Evening in Paris.

Mom doesn't normally make it to work nights, but I think she had fun helping with what she could. Being limited to pretty much sitting or standing, she was still able to use her hands to help do things that would just take up time the rest of us could use working on other projects that involved crawling, climbing, etc. It was a big help that she had all of these Eiffel towers unpacked and ready to be used. She also wrapped boxes in granite paper, and I'm not sure what else. But it was a big help!


While Mrs. Ava worked on her bistro windows, Wendy, Brenda, and I worked on corrugated paper punch outs.

Mander and Liz worked on our granite walls.

April was wrapping "stone blocks" that I later hot glued to the top of the walls.

Mrs. Vickie and Pam worked on the awnings for the bistro.

Mrs. Ava had an idea for her windows using the corrugated paper. Her flower box turned out lovely....oui? Now we just need to figure out how to hang them. lol

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MRS. JANET!!! My sweet little buddy and sister! We celebrated Janet's birthday during our work night. Did you know she was forty?

Mrs. Ava had some goodie snacks!

Mom and I gave her a really cute pajama set with cupcakes and cherries on them.

Mom and Janet...I just don't know what to do with these two.

And Mander...she's always cuttin' up too. What gets into these women? Do they not know how to behave and be normal?

Pam and Mander both give the answer to that question...

NO!