To Save a Life

So last night I watched the movie "To Save a Life" ( http://www.netflix.com/Movie/To-Save-a-Life/70117247?strackid=af0bb32b35ecf74_0_srl&strkid=1282821238_0_0&lnkctr=srchrd-sr&trkid=222336 ). I just loved this movie. If you have a pre-teen or teenager you should definitely watch it. I would definitely show it to my teen as well. It shows how the truth of how many teenagers are living their lives without sugar coating things. It does so without nudity and minimal questionable language though. What was so enthralling about it was that it seemed so real. I connected with this movie, and think that many teens would as well. It deals with many hot button teen topics such as sex, drinking, peer pressure, teen pregnancy, and teen suicide to name a few. This may seem off putting, but just watch the movie. Sometimes teens don't feel comfortable opening up and talking about things but maybe this can open that doorway. It also is a great eye opening experience. If you have a teen don't think "But my teen wouldn't act like that or do that" because chances are they will, would, or have. I hope that at least a couple of people will take this movie recommendation and check it out.

Happy Valentines Friends!

I'm sitting here with cold toes trying to motivate myself to finish my Statistics homework assignment. I could make a list a mile long of things I need to do...then I could make a much shorter list of the things that are likely to get done. It is supposed to be another absolutely beautiful day. We took advantage of yesterday and worked in the yard. We removed some shrubs from the front of the house and cleaned out the side plant box. We are now planning what we will be planting (once I do some research). I trimmed up my holly bushes that go around the detached garage and some other bushes that line the top of the driveway. It was really a productive and beautiful day. Right now I am sitting here with Connor snoozing against my side. I am thinking how great today is going to be as well. I have been working on laundry and will hopefully finish it up today. I have steaks thawing out for a great dinner with my 3 guys. I'm going to bake something sweet for my Valentines. I also am going to make sure to tell them how much I love them and how grateful I am to have them in my life. I am going to also try to remember to tell them each and every day the same things. Because while it is Valentines Day, and everyone goes out of their way to show and tell special someones they love them, it really should be done every day. I am so blessed and it is very easy to get caught up in the stuff of life that gets to me and forget just how blessed I truly am. So I am going to use today to remember all of the things I have in my life that have blessed me. I have a loving and devoted husband who is a great father. I have an energetic and loving 9 year old who lights up the room. And I have the sweetest 2 year old that has a personality big enough to fill up the state of Texas. I also have a God that loves me unconditionally no matter what I do. I am always forgiven, always loved, and always given his grace. For all of these things, and so much more I am thankful. Take today to know that no matter what you are loved.

So proud of him!

So far my day has been pretty great. I feel like the winter weather whatever that is going to hit cannot even take how I feel away from me. I have cleaned my living room and kitchen, have dinner started, and Connor is napping. I was lucky enough to have a couple hours with my nephew today. He went this past Sunday/Monday to Houston for processing for the Air Force! There was a point in time where I was worried and honestly concerned as to the path that he was on, but now I just can't even begin to explain how amazingly proud of this kid I am! He has made A's and B's the past couple years, has been involved with JROTC and is 2nd in command for his JROTC group at school, works 2 jobs, stays out of trouble, and loves his family! He came over today to show me all of his paperwork and his contract. He will be signed for 6 years going in as an E-3 once he has his JROTC certificate. He wanted to go into the Air Force Academy, and actually had the priviledge of being inivted to an Academy Board interview. While he did not get an invitation to attend the academy it has not dampened his desire to serve. He said to me this afternoon "I want to go into the military not only to protect my blood family, but my family as in America." He has such a deep patriotism. It scares me a bit to think about what all he may encounter while serving his country. I think it is his decision, he knows the risks, I will just pray for him. I just wanted to share! He is such and amazing and outstanding young man, and I love him just as much as if he was mine...I'm so going to cry at his graduation, makes me feel old.

And so it begins...

Ok, so I have been talking to friends, doing research, googling, etc. all about couponing and stockpiling. So I decided I am going to give it a whirl and see what happens. I have been using coupons for a couple months. I am not talking about the one coupon here and there, I mean walking out saving $15.00 in coupons on a $150.00 bill. Do the math, that is 10% in savings...I think it is pretty good. So this past Sunday's paper had some really good coupons, and they matched up with some really good sales ads so I decided "Hey...looks like a good time." So basically I clipped all the coupons for things we use, and matched them up, made my list, and organized my coupons. Then I headed off to CVS. Here is what I bought:
1 box Special K Red Berries
1 box Special K fruit & yogurt
1 box Raisin Bran Crunch
2 cans of pringles
1 Bounce dryer bar
1 Bottle Fantastik antibacterial heavy duty cleaner
Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner
1 Olay Creme Ribbons Body Wash
1 Vasoline total moisture lotion
1 Old Spice High Endurance Body Wash
1 Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant
3 jars of Ragu sauce
1 Gillette Hydrator Body Wash
2 cans campbells Chicken & Noodle soup
1 container of Mentos gum (50 pcs)
1 Air Wick Warmer
1 Air Wick refill
1 Crest ProHealth For Me toothpaste
2 Secret Flawless deodorants
2 Secret original deodorants
1 bottle Dayquil Mucus Control

Total price (including sales & promotions) before tax $85.17

I saved $25.29 in coupons!

With a before tax total due of $58.88.

I also earned $12.00 in extrabuck/rewards!!!

Basically like paying $46.88 + tax for EVERYTHING.

Those of you who have been doing this for a while, did I do a good job for my first trip?