Shed Demolishing

I haven't been good about writing lately!  Photography, family, and life has left me with little time.  There has been several things that  I intended to write about but never found the time. Blogging isn't something I seem to do on the spur of the moment.  It is one of the things in my life that I have to think out before I can accomplish it. 

Today however was a good day!  Several months ago a family approached us about participating in a group that rotates doing projects.  Every 6 weeks we meet at someone's house and accomplish a chore that they want to do.  Today was our turn and we demolished our shed and mulched the front yard! When I returned from my photo shoot, things were in full swing.

It wasn't long before we realized they were pouring gasoline on the debri and we were about to have a controlled burn.  A few times I wondered if it was "controlled" but they did a great job. Now all we have left is a pile of ashes!  

We have the new shed in our garage just waiting to be assembled!  

We also mulched the flower beds.  All of it - mulching and demolition - in less than 5 hours!  This is a fantastic way to get projects accomplished and have FUN at the same time.  I recommend everyone find a group they can participate in something like this with.  Not only do you benefit but you get to help others out as well!

After everyone left Mike went with a neighbor to get more mulch and we mulched their flower beds while we were outside!  We will definitely sleep good tonight!

Mildred (Grandma)

This weekend we spent some time in Oklahoma to say goodbye my grandma. She has lived an incredible 87 years but will probably not live a lot longer. About 2 months ago she began what we thought was a mild treatment for cancer. Unfortunately, it got her down and weak and she doesn't have the fight to continue. In reality since the death of her oldest son in February 1998, she has longed to be with him. In experiencing this event, I've come to realize that it is never easy to lose a parent. It seems that one of the things that may be more difficult would be to lose a child. When there is more than one person involved in making decisions it only complicates things more. Everyone wants the best, but everyone handles their emotions very differently. One thing has been evident, my grandma loved deeply and many people loved her in return.

She wrote endless letters to her kids and grandkids and it is apparent by the letters she received in return. She wrote neat notes on each card to remember things. I got her Bible that she has read faithfully everyday and looked through it. There are YEARS of notes in there and the wisdom is priceless. Mildred has been the matriarch of quite a family- 3 kids (and spouses), 8 grandkids (and 8 spouses), and 15 great grandchildren so far (with 2 more on the way). She is the spiritual cornerstone, daily praying for each one. She has been through many mountains and valleys and always come through with a stronger faith. I have admired her courage to tackle faith questions that most older people aren't willing to consider.

It was an honor to spend some precious time with her her this weekend. I will always remember these moments.

Another tip

Since Janice was upset that she didn't hear about the cereal deal in time, I thought I would post a tip that I came across today even though it doesn't benefit me.  I'm not sure how many of you will benefit from it, but it's worth passing along.  Look here for the details.  I don't know her but it sounds like a good deal with minimal work.  She got 182 huggies for under $19.  

Just wanted to send that your way.  

More info coming soon!

Cereal and Granola Bars

So last week during one of my morning rituals I came across a blog that linked to a coupon for Cheerios.  I went to check it out and found out that by combining a Kroger promotion and using the coupon I figured out I could get cereal for under a $1.  I was excited and printed off several coupons.  My first grocery store run was on Wednesday afternoon to pick up several meals for the week.  That bill rang up to $37.  I got enough for several good meals and also 4 boxes of cereal.  As the week went on I got smarter.  I found a coupon on the cereal isle for $0.75 off two boxes of cheerios so I picked up two of them.  When I got to the cash register I just kept handing them coupons and she kept taking them.  I ended up getting each box of cereal for $0.12.  I was so proud.  I got 4 boxes of granola bars for $1.20.  Both of these deals just spurred me on.....over the next several days I went back at least once a day.  I think by the time the sale ended on Tuesday I counted 22 new boxes of cereal and 16 boxes of granola bars....for a grand total of about $7.50! Mike told me I better start finding coupons for milk since we had so much cereal!

I love finding a good deal and this just felt like I hit the jackpot.