I must give credit to where credit is due. Tina heard my cry for help and answered my question to perfection!
Thank you, thank you, Tina!! :-)

Soooo, here is the picture of the girls at the TV station - finally!

What a relief, I can quit tearing my hair out!

I'm throwing in a picture of the girls at the TV station. It was so interesting and they had a blast and learned a lot!
(Ut-oh! Looks like techinical difficulties on the photo front again!)

As for money, still no Federal in. Will try tomorrow, cause of the holiday today. Hopefully it will be there. As AiYa! said about the new Chinese new year of the Pig, I am being blessed with money! My realtor friend did give me a $500 bonus and my mom is giving me $300 to help her decorate her new house. Crazy! Aiya! also said it would go to frivolous things, which I am trying to keep from happening. I'm not sure how to present to DH, so I am just waiting until I have it all in hand!

Oh, look at my blogoversary count! Two more weeks! Neat!

I am always looking for cheap and frugal things to do with my girl scout troops. One of the local TV stations gives weather tours of the weather center and at the end of the tour they are allowed to wave to the camera, which he then puts on his evening weathercast with a nice "here is troop *** who came to visit today". The girls are beyond themselves with excitement over this!

Went ahead and took advantage of the ebay special. I have had stuff to sell for a long time, just waiting for the listing sale. Some is clothes, so I won't hope for a lot.
There is a big meat sale I want to hit tomorrow, with bonus coupons. Will post my haul!

Another snow day here and DH took off work, so it is a family day! Can't beat a weekend in the middle of the week! Will have to see if they reschedule DD3's Valentines Party. So glad I can be a SAHM and roll with these punches instead of stressing out and leaving the kids home alone all day. (DD1 is old enough to command the ship, but they still fight like crazy!)
Told DH instead of taking him out for dinner, I will make a roast dinner for all. Don't think the girls will have church tonight.

Did'nt plan it, just happened! Still working on the basement, had dinner at moms.
Tomorrow is work, music lessons, and a meeting. Going to have ham and cheese potatoes for dinner tomorrow night.
DH took the little girls to the Beggan Strips Mardi Gras dog parade today. They had a blast. They took our little beagle with them and she had a butt sniffing fest! Wore her out! Too bad it did'nt wear the kids out!

Yep, I made it easy on the DH. We married in a year that ended in 0, (we've been married 17 years, so guess which one!) ;-) And we made it Groundhogs Day instead of Valentines day as my sisters anniversary was on Valentines day. (Long story long, she got a divorce and remarried on Groundhogs Day!)
The groundhog did NOT see his shadow, so woohoo come on Spring!!
Will take DH out for his frugal dinner at Red Lobster and he is treating me to a show!

I decided to be prepared for our anniversary this year. I wanted to impress DH. He is the one that likes to firmly place our money difficulties on me (and probably 85% is!)So I bought a card (.99) and some Sour Skittles (.69) for his gift! :-) Then I cashed in some Mypoints for two $10 gift cards to Red Lobster and I have a $4 off coupon on two entrees (oh, how romantic) that will NOT expire till 2/22. (I have a habit of keeping coupons well past expiration, then being bummed when I go to use them, so I checked in ADVANCE!)If I can keep alcoholic beverages from entering the bill, I can sneak a little more from the grocery budget to cover it.
I would also like to be extravagant and treat him to a movie (I know, I'm a show off), but I only have $7.25 left on my gift card. Not sure if I can squeek more out of the grocery budget, but we'll see!
Our anniversary is next Friday the 2nd (Groundhog Day!) Will let you know how my "surprise" goes!

Recently two abducted boys were found alive. One, Ben, had been missing since last Monday. Your heart just aches as a parent. The absolute MIRACLE of it all is that with him was found Shawn Hornbeck who had been missing for almost FIVE years! It is sooo exciting, everyone is just giddy!!! :-)

I kinda scored today from the survey sites! I got a free box of 6 granola bars to try and report back on. (And they are yummy!)
Received a $5 check for some survey I did. Don't remember what for, but they just send me $5 as a thank you - I'll take it!
And I am still building up my Mypoints account. I am torn between a Home Depot GC or maybe a Red Lobster one, our anniversary is next month and I have a coupon! :-)
DID end up spending yestereday. DD1 needed some "necessities" so I spent $17 at Walgreens on that and some stock up items (and a little junk!)
DH spent $20 on a "team building" bowling trip he had to go on for work. Team building, whatever, and this was a mandatory after work thing. They only bought them chicken strips and some light stuff. Oh well, he bowled well!
Todays spending is in check. Spent $2.10 to eat lunch at DD3's school with her. Bunko tonight, but friend owes me money so she is paying for my bunko for the next two months! Dinner will be at home!

Okay, I'm on the BA bandwagon!
My lovely lettuce can be used in such a variety of tummy filling ways, it boggles my mind!
You have to remember, I just went and had surgery so I could eat lettuce again! That is loyalty to my lettuce.
Nothing gets me like a big vegetable salad (lett., broc, caul, carrots, tomatoes, etc.) or a chefs salad!
The first salad I ate after the surgery was a yummy all hail tooooo.... Caesar! Yummmmmmmmm!

Oh, and another no spend day for me! :-)

The DH and the DD's are all safely back to their respective work/school. DD1 and 2 only have a half day. So the dogs and I took a short breath of relief and I cleaned the carpets and took a shower. Got all of Christmas tucked away and all our tax stuff out and ready for the W-2's. Now to run to the grocery store and try not to spend much. Hopefully can get enough to last till next week.

Have a happy New Years Eve to all my bloggy friends. Be safe and responsible tonight!

Yes, like my friend Baselle, I spent the day cleaning out the closet and doing various other tidying up for the New Year! Found 2 outfits I will give up to ebay. I only wore each one once! Got rid of some old sheets - glad to see them holey things go! Made sure all the laundry is caught up on too. Washed all the bed linens and remade the bed. Still need to go through the Christmas decorations and get rid of the ones I did'nt put out this year, make room for the packing up in a few days.
I have lots of stuff for charity. Still torn between no more garage sales and just giving it to charity. So far getting rid of it is still holding out.They are getting some good stuff! The best stuff I will ebay.

Ha ha! Okay, just the basement. We had a large Christmas explosion down there and it was time to clean up! I reorganized all the gift bags/tags/bows, etc., merging in all the new items bought at the after Christmas sales. I marked and put into a special box all the gifts I purchased for next year, then made a special list for my calendar book, so I don't rebuy anything for next year. Have enought Christmas cards and wrapping paper to last a couple of years again!
Also prepurchased the girls Valentines gifts (after clearance jewelry at Kohls) and cards and put them in a special spot, then all I will need to do is run by Walgreens when they have the Valentines candy on sale and pick up a few things! Got DH's anniversary card ready too!
Inspired by my buddy Contrary, I am going to try to organize the scrapbooking area I created downstairs so my best friend and I can start doing some serious work on our books! We will be a little chilly, but it will be our spot!

DD2 and I went out this morning to forage for bargains. I try only to do this every few years. I got my Sis, and SIL's all something and all the teacher gifts for next year. Yee ha! Now I just have to remember I have them! Will put them in a special Christmas box. Also picked up some more Christmas lights. Also got an early morning "doorbuster" set of luggage that I used the JCPenney gift card for so our luggage for the trip is FREE! :-)

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you have been safe and jolly!
What have you all received for the holidays? I got lots of gift cards, which will come in handy for preparing for the cruise! And I got my super, wonderful, neato new camera that DH broke down and bought me! Have already been using the heck out of it!
Did you get what you asked for from Santa???

Only another 1/2 hour until I am done at work! I can't wait! Then Christmas can officially start! :-) I miss my kids! I won't have to be back here for almost 2 weeks, which is GREAT for me, but not for my pocketbook! Com'on time - fly!

I did not get something good to pass on at the neighborhood bunko!
I got a funky glass handblown 14 inch PINK Christmas tree , with silver sparkle circles on it. Looks very vintage 50's, but pink? DD1 snatched it and took it to her room. Here I thought I did bad with a gingerbread home interiors Christmas candle, a holiday serving tray and some wine glass charms. Now I have to dig up something. Maybe I will get another gift card I don't like and I can move that along with something. I can seriously say I am not enjoying the gift exchange part, but I love the company and visiting with my friends! I like the idea of an ornament exchange and may suggest that for next year!

Everywhere is the gift exchanges! Yikes! The girls had a gift card exchange at girl scouts. It was only for $5 each, so that was not a bad deal, but we were short a GC, so one of my girls did'nt take one (the leaders daughters always get the short end!), but my DD2 wanted certain earrings from the mall, so I told her I would get them for her and she was happy.
Tonight is the office ladies dinner and gift exchange. Trying to hunt for something from around the house to use. It is supposed to be $15-20 gift (which I think is a little high!) I am hoping I get something decent enough to exchange at the neighborhood bunko next week!
Our regular bunko meets tomorrow and is exchanging $10 gift cards. I had one from my birthday to a store I will never go to, so I will use that one! :-) It has no restrictions on it, so I feel okay about regifting it!
Still recovering and working through the pain of recovery. I have had a certain chronic pain that just can't get away from. The doctor just said to keep taking my vicodin and it will go away. I hope shes right! It makes sleeping diffcult!

Well, still trying to heal and get through the pain. Healing is hard with three kids on hand. They had a half day of school yesterday, got out early today because of snow and will be off tomorrow because of the weather! Then... the weekend. No rest for the weary! My DD1 has been awesome and helpful. You never know what you will get with those teenagers! DD2 is laying low, but DD3 has been a spoiled menace.
It has been sleeting and pouring ice for the last 4 hours here. Glad we still have electricity! The snow is supposed to start after midnight and come down in about a 6 inch amount. Yee haw, no more 70's!!
Paid bills today. Got the check from our old escrow account with the old house loan company, but I have to make sure that someone is paying the real estate taxes! This happened to us once before when we switched loans and I had no idea no one paid till the state came a-knocking! So this time I will cover my rear and find out who needs to pay!
Friends of ours braved the horrible weather and brought us a delicious dinner for the family!! They are so kind! Any ideas for a thank you I can give them?

Can you believe it? I had major sugery this morning, they outpatiented me this afternoon and I sit here gallbladderless and emailing this evening.
Pretty painful, but not uncontrollable. Had extreme naseua from the Vicadan. Will probably stop using it tomorrow and switch to Tylenol.
So far, so good. Pray for good healing!

Hi guys!
Tuesday is the big surgery day! Be sending good thoughts and hopefully I will be home quickly and safely! Bye bye gallbladder!

I was going to come on the blogs and say, "hey, anyone see snow yet?", but then I start reading and I AM SO JEALOUS! How am I going to get in the Christmas spirit with these 70 degree temps? We were sweating on the roof while we put up the lights! The kids have been running around in shorts and flip flops! Yikes! I guess I'll have to say, I'll enjoy it while it lasts! Thursday is supposed to only be in the 30's!

Hello all!
Happy Thanksgiving!
To all cooking - don't forget to take it easy! Our big boy is cooking as we speak!
To all eating - take it easy! Don't forget a nice walk before that nap!!
To all - don't forget to give thanks and have fun! Have a special day!

I was trying to jockey the table around to fit my lovely family (kids will have to go at another table this year!) What makes it challenging, is that most in my family are larger people and we can not cram everyone into such tight quarters. Our dining room table only came with one leaf and despite all attempts, I could never find another leaf to add to it. So I presented this problem to DH who took it upon himself (with gentle nagging) to rig something. Lo and behold, the keyboard shelf from my daughters trash picked desk, happened to fit the spot almost perfectly! A little duct tape, a table cloth and viola! A larger more comfortable table for all - free!

Mission accomplished! I ran out today after I went on a field trip with DD3 and I finished the Christmas shopping!! Woo hoo! Now, DH still has to pick up some things, but my part is done! And wrapped! So I am on target to get "Christmas done" before "s" day! (Surgery!)
I know it sounds pathetic, but I am looking forward to resting! I am one of those people that always has to be moving! (I get it from my mom!) So this will force me to lay back and relax, read and watch TV or even movies!
I am really touched by all the people that have offered help and food! So nice!
So cross your fingers for a quick, easy surgery and a recovery time that can be s t r e t c h e d for relaxing!

Getting ready to go downstairs and wrap as many Christmas presents as I can. I am almost done shopping. With the surgery coming up, I really want to have Christmas done! Still need some more gift cards for people. I think I will make my husband buy for his mother. I am stumped on her. (We have good years and bad years!)Off to work like Santas good little elf!

I got here late in the game, so you may all be tired of reading these.
Here's my contribution to the cause:

1) Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!
2) I can vibrate my eyes.
3) I am the youngest and spoiled!
4) I do not have one best friend.
5) I HATE cooking dinner every night!
6) I drive better backwards than forwards!
7) I graduated with a 2 year associates degree in 18 years.
8) I went to 4 colleges before completing my degree.
9) My family is my life.
10)I love playing bunko with my friends.
11)I have been on the local news twice (NOT for committing a crime!:-)
12)I got to see Pope John Paul II
13)I was engaged three times before I got married (saved on the divorces!)
14)I can not eat lettuce (hopefully after the surgery I will be able to!)
15)I have been to Canada and Mexico.
16)I love having parties!
17)I do tons of volunteer work.
18)I am basically shy, but you would never know it.
19)They say I saved my husbands life when he had a heart attack.
20)I am basically easy going, but don't ever tell me I CAN'T do something!
Update:
21)I am a recovering neat freak.
22)I would love to go to Hawaii!
23)I get horribly sea sick and can't even sit and look at the water.
24)We are going on our first cruise in March!:-o!
25)My favorite food is mashed potatoes!

Not sure if this gives any insight to myself, but hope you found it interesting?

Oh yeah! Thought I was gone eh? No, just hiding. Okay, not really. I have been sooo busy lately, it is all I can do just to fall into bed each night. That and the fact that DD1 has been using our computer while hers is offline, does not make for quality computer time!
Ummm....highlights;
*Got loan, still waiting for all payments to go thru so I can really plan the budget.
*Took the nice family trip to Chicago - great time!
*Did some redecorating and entertaining already! Holiday season starts early!
*I guess the big thing is my gall bladder tests did not turn out good, so I will be having surgery (look out it looks like it is going around on the blog!!) on November 28th to have it removed. Cross your fingers it can all be done laproscopically as I have lots of scar tissue.
*Trying to get Christmas shopping done before surgery. Outlook on this is good! I think we can get away without too much damage this year!!Waiting for Mypoints Walmart card to come! Every little bit helps!
*The girls are doing great! The older two will be in a show at school next week. Looking forward to a quiet week!
Hope to get back to you soon! :-)