Happy Christmas Eve

Have you ever heard the song "Christmas Shoes"? Its been out for a few years now and will for sure pull out a tear or two unless, that is, you have a blackened soul.
Recently I was with a group of women discussing Christmas and one lady shared that she despised the "Christmas shoes" song. This sent me into an immediate whirlwind as I tried to determine what shade of black her soul most certainly must be. She further explained that if her mother was dying she would not be out buying shoes. Ahhh, she doesn' t get it. She truly doesn't understand.

You have to understand the song through the eyes of a child. It's about desperation. A desperate feeling that a child has to gain control over an uncontrolable harsh world. A child trying to do anything good in a awful situation. Simply trying to feel a void of emotion.

At some point we have all felt desperate.

This time of year, we are flooded with reminders of what Christmas is suppose to be about. Giving not receiving, time with families and so on. Really Christmas is a birthday party. A celebration that because of Jesus' birth we no longer have to feel desperate. We are reminded and we celebrate.

The song "Christmas shoes" to me serves as that reminder. The story adequately paints the feeling of desperation through the eyes of a child. I am so thankful that in this harsh world we live Jesus was born the fill the void of desperation.

However, if you were to buy me some Chistmas shoes.....Ill take these in a size 8 1/2.



Jules

Julie aka songwriter

When I was 10 years old, I wrote "my first song". I always use this phrase to allude that there were others. There were not others.....at least not any with a killer tune tied to it.

I found this gem in my newly inherited piano bench and demonstrated my fierce vocal chops to my family by belting out each memorized word of "my first song". To say they were impressed would be an understatement.




Jules

The Year I Didnt Have It All Together..

Just as my title indicates, 2014 shall be known as the year that I didnt have it all togehter. Although not unlike the rest of the year, I am going to specifically speak to the Christmas season.

In 2014, I will not have Christmas cards (maybe...just maybe New Years cards?). The pressure of a good picture, should it be family or the kids, the coordinating outfits, asking people for addresses for the one hundredth time (why do I not save these?) its all just too much. This year I am opting for a face book post that my intimate 200 friends will see with no postage required.

In 2014, we will not have Christmas lights on the house. Daniel has deemed that he does not have the appropriate ladder and that he risked his life last year and now that he is 38 its just not a risk he is willing to take. In other words, he just doesnt want to do it. Which I dont blame him.

In 2014, I will not have a collection of Christmas cookies displayed in lines on my large christmas platter. I have baked zero. Yep, zero.

In 2014, I will not have a carefully decorated mantle. I removed the pumkins from my fall mantle and the rest remains....and will continue to remain bc I dont have the energy to produce a beautiful Christmas creation.

A few more add ons: My door still represents fall 2 weeks from Christmas, my kids have no matching outfits, I have no idea what they will wear Christmas day, I have not put one single thought into Christmas day dinner, ect, ect, ect, ect.

Therefore I have named the year 2014 as the year I didn't have it all together.  You know what? It kinda feels nice.  It is not typical of me to release things, to let things go, but it was surprisingly easy.  Will this be a pattern of the future? or will I whip myself back into shape and come out blazing next year?  Only time will tell :)





Jules

Worst.blogger.ever

Yes, i am a terrible blogger. I just disappear without warning and i am fully aware of my short comings in life.

Today i will share a few pictures just to get you caught up!!












































Feel like you're caught up??

Walmart Black Friday

Below is what I am interested in at Walmart for black friday. I will first see what I can get online and then I will go early morning. I will NOT go thursday night.
















Jules











And at toys r us









Still working on my plan!!!

MIA

As a couple of you may have noticed, I have been MIA for the past few days.  The reason mainly centers around a sick family and a full work load.  No time to play or blog.  This makes me sad, but it is what it is and every day is a challenge to maintain balance with the priorities of life.

For example.......Black Friday and Christmas shopping.  Priority right?!?!?!  I am doing my final decision making and will let you in on my shopping plan tomorrow.

Do you have your plan??!!?!

Obssesive shopping!!

Just 2 1/2 weeks away from black friday!!! Everyday there are new deals at different stores.  Some good.....some just a smoke screen!!



First step is to get organized and know what you are looking for:  Gifts? items for yourself?



Next, you want to know a base price, so that you can jump when you see a good deal.  Just because it appears in an ad paper with the word "SALE" next to it does not mean it is the best price!!!



My first place to compare when I see a price at a store is Amazon.  Its quick and easy and gives me an idea of what an average price would be.



For example.....



I found these magnatiles at Tuesday morning for $24.99





A quick amazon search reveals that Tuesday morning has a pretty good price!!




**If you have a good Tuesday morning make sure to shop there........mine has a GREAT toy section!!**





Target will continue to run sales through the holiday season.  If you don't have the cartwheel app, download it NOW!!  Everyday they are running a surprise 50% on a toy item!  I got this doll for just $11!!



Today the 50% deal is this flying tinkerbell



After a quick amazon search, I learned that the reviews are terrible so I will skip that deal.

If you are near a CVS this week, run in and scan your extra care card for a coupon for free paper towels!!

Sweet Corn Chili

I picked up this recipe from the mix match mama blog. After following her instructions, the taste test revealed blandness. Now, i dont know if my taste buds demand extra flavoring or what but i tend to always have to add seasoning to what ever I am cooking.



I will share the original recipe and then include my add ons.  She makes it all in one pot on the stove, however, I simmered it all day in the crockpot.



1) Brown hamburger meat with onions (she also adds jalapenos that I left out for the kids....maybe that is why I was missing flavor?)



2) Combine the meat and the following ingredients into a crockpot:  Can of black beans, can of tomato paste, can of cream of corn, can of rotel, frozen corn, and 2 tablespoons of chili powder.



3) Simmer on low for as long as you would like.



I boiled some frozen corn on the cob and added it to the crockpot.




I also added 2 tablespoons of the following seasoning: Garlic powder, natures own, pepper, and sugar.


It was so so so so so so good!! I served over chips and added salsa and cheese on top!!



Now...do you want to hear something heartbreaking...........



I prepared two containers: one for family leftovers and one for lunch the next day.  Then I left it out ALL.NIGHT.LONG!!!!





Is your heart breaking? Mine is still broken several hours later.



Jules

Tis the Season of Shopping!!

And so it begins.....the season to shop, "deals" popping up everyday, preperation for black friday, my obsession over prices, and so on and so on. Arent you so excited?!?!?

A couple of major things to be aware of: Target will be posting 50% off cartwheel offer on top toys everyday!! Cartwheel offers can be combined with coupons!! For example, in this weeks paper target offers a 25% coupon on any item in the toy department....this can be combined with the 50% cartwheel deal....today it is the mega block wagon which is great gift for a one year old!!

Be aware that any coupons/deals that arise will have quick expiration dates and will go fast at the stores. If it is item on your list, get there early and fast!!

I also encourage you to check out halloween clearance deals!!  Many Targets went to 90% off!! I scored some great "costumes" to use for dress up for Landon!! Walmart had a ton at 50% off including thanksgiving.  I bought a few pumpkins, Halloween plates and cupcake wrappers, and a couple of crafts.

I am also obsessing over Amazon's daily deals........they are so much fun to watch and are offered throughout the day!!!

Where do you find your greatest deals this holiday season??




Jules

Fun Filled Weekend!!

This weekend was AWESOME!!!  It was the perfect amount of out and about time, plus home time and family time.  And of course.......I GAINED AN HOUR OF TIME!! It is like a dream come true that is graciously granted once a year.  The down side is the depression I feel once it is over and knowing that I have to wait an entire year before it happens again.



Friday night Halloween was coooooold.  We had a hayride with friends and had a great time.  Ruddick rode in a following golf cart with Rana and Granddaddy and only made it 1/2 way before falling asleep.  He headed back to the house while the rest of us "partied" for a while.  Superman and Wonder Woman were so so cute!!!










Saturday morning we headed out to Curry Farms for the first time.  It was again so so so cold and I did not dress everyone appropriately.  However, I was very impressed with all they had to offer.  The kids LOVED it!!!to















Saturday afternoon and night we got to spend time with my 3 year old nephew.  He and Landon are total opposites.  John is a rule follower and is very concrete in his thoughts and statements.  Landon pushes limits, aggravates, and see rainbows in unicorns in every day tasks.  Luckily, they did not go overboard with their bickering and were able to have a fun time!!






Sunday (my extra hour day....yippee!) was spent with my sister trying to make final progress at Mamaw;s house.  The estate sale is THIS weekend!! So ready to get this done!!!



**Bonus**Ruddick was in a wonderful mood both Saturday and Sunday night.  This was HUGE



**Double Bonus**  Hallmark Christmas Movies - Enough said!!!!

Blog Confessions and Update on Deals

I have been awful at blogging lately.  I am constantly taking pictures of different things so that I can include it on my blog, but I never blog?!?!  My confession.........I have been sleeping in a bit.  Sometimes not getting up until 6:30 AM WHAT?!?! Crazy late for me!!!  Therefore, my blogging time has suffered.



My new plan:  I am going to try and stick to a Monday/Wednesday/Friday blog plan.  Trying to blog every day is an unreal expectation right now.  It just doesnt work out.  Hopefully setting this goal will help with some consistency on when you get to read my ground breaking thoughts. :)



This week at Walgreens I scored some crazy awesome deals!!



A box of Capri Sun - Buy 2 for $4 receive 2,000 points which equals $2 - Therefore $1 each!!! Perfect since I signed up for Juice boxes for RL's Halloween party at school!!



Colgate Toothpaste - $3.50 receive $3 Register Rewards and use .50 coupon from last weeks paper = FREE



***Everyone check this one out!!**



In the Walgreen's ad (you can pick it up in the store) - there is a $5 off coupon for Halloween costumes.  Some costumes are $5.99 so you can get them for 99 cents.  But WAIT....some of the $5.99 costumes are on clearance for $3.19 which means you get them for FREE!! What! What!  Limit 3.



This is super easy and you don't have to walk in with anything (other have a Walgreens card) and score this deal.  Make sure to check out your local Walgreens to see what you can find.  Varies by store!




Not pictured: angel costume and toothpaste.

Total spent in the picture above plus toothpaste and angel costume: $2!!!

Pumpkin Muffins!!

Its that time again!!!! Time to make all the pumpkin muffins!  I make them at least once a week for various occasions: school parties, work mondays, neighborhood friendliness, fall festivals, because I like them, because my husband eats alot, and so on and so on.  I mean who can beat the simplicity of this recipe?!?!



So, I went to Walmart and stocked up on my ingredients.  Spice Cake mix is $1.28 at Walmart and the Great Value pumpkin is $1.43.  Chocolate Chips are the priciest ingredient........I go for the big bag that sales for $4.28.  This can be used for at least 3 batches.



I made "mini" pumpkin muffins this time because I thought they would look so cute!!  And they did of course!!



Here is your staple for all Fall parties.........You are welcome!!!



3 Ingredients:



Spice Cake Mix

Can of pumpkin

Chocolate Chips (optional)



Mix together and bake on 350 for about 10 - 15 minutes.  Look for them to kind of harden on top.

So, I have a question. How much do you budget for a babysitter? Do you use a babysitter? How much do you pay him/her? Do you take kids everywhere?

I have only had a babysitter a handful of times in the span of my kids lives. Only a couple of times were used for enjoyment and none were used for a date with my husband. Yep. No anniversary dinner since the kids were born, no rekindling the relationships, and def no non interrupted adult conversations. Let me give you an example..... My 35th birthday....i treated myself to a steak. Take out. I cant afford 2 steaks (the hubs) from my place of choice and I certainly cant pay for a babysitter on top of that!! Because they are EXPENSIVE!!

So Id like some feedback. Am I the only dateless mama? Do you pay for babysitters? Should it be a priority? Give up other extras to support date night?

Okay. Now we will switch gears and look at some other random stuff!!

I got this email and im stoked!!






And what about this email? They are getting really sophisticated with these scams. They even found someone I know to sign as the email send. Harpers kindgarten teacher (which is barely passed by the way). He failed 1st grade and then dropped out of school!


Jules