AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD..yummmmm

It's that time of year again.  It seems like almost every Christmas someone gives me a starter recipe of AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD..yummmmmm    (It's hard to say it without saying yummmmmmm)                                                                                                                   

If you've never tried it, you need to.  I had always heard that only the Amish know how to start it, but I came across this starter recipe (in case there's no Amish in your neighborhood) 

ABC's OF DE-CLUTTERING

Some of these......OK,OK........MOST of these...I haven't tried,

but I intend to...

(ONE DAY NEXT WEEK)

A: AIM TO REDUCE CLUTTER BY A DEFINITE NUMBER. When getting rid of items, have a specific goal in mind. Instead of saying you want to get rid of SOME of the books on your overstuffed bookshelf, say you want to get rid of 50%. Don't say you want to get rid of a FEW pairs of shoes, state you want to donate 10 pairs to charity. Focus on reaching your goal.

ONE DAY NEXT WEEK

I’ve often thought about writing a book about being a mother. At first, I thought I might call it “Motherhood is a Constant Interruption.”

How many Mothers have finished something you were doing without having to stop and do something else in the middle?

How many Mothers get to have a bath (or even go to the bathroom) without some small person coming in?

It seems that I was always going to get back to something I was doing- in a few minutes,- but first, I have to finish these dishes, or... but first I have to put in a load of wash or... well you can fill in the blank.

Now what was that thing I was doing? Hmmmm…..

A DAY TO REMEMBER

It was 16 years ago today...

Our oldest grandson was born...

It was the day I became a "Grammy"

   I remember the day he came home. His Mom and Dad were living with us.  He was beautiful...no, I really mean it.. He was beautiful..even though he was a little bit of a "cone head" (which rounded out quickly, with a little rubbing from Grammy ;) )  My DH said to someone, "I have to keep reminding myself that he's theirs and not ours".

It seems he couldn't decide when and how to make his arrival. His Mom was my baby, so it had been a while since I had been in the labor and delivery wing...now it's called the birthing center..and everyone gets to be there...Long story short---after about 13 hours of labor, with about 3 hours of pushing (thus the "cone head"), NEHEMIAH (what a beautiful name) was delivered by emergency C-section. I was in the operating room when he was born and I was the first one to hold his hand.

 I knew even then that he was someone very special.. 

I've been looking around my house to find one of his baby pictures and, of course, I can't.  But I have this one of him with his Dad when he was very small .

Here's a more recent one...

And one more, with his family, to show how much he's grown...

As you can see, I have some more grandkids (aren't they BEAUTIFUL!)  There's 12 here in this picture, one in heaven and one the way!  That will make 14!

 Each one of them is so special and so precious to me. Each one holds a place in my heart that no one else can fill.  I am truly

 BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!

But, today, my mind goes back to that day, sixteen years ago, when a handsome young man came into my life. He stole my heart away and changed my life forever.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEHEMIAH!

LOVE,

GRAMMY<><

MARKING TIME

I was in the band since the 5th grade

and in the marchig band since the 7th grade. 

There was a term that was used called "Marking Time".

 This meant that the band member was still marching

only they weren't going any place. 

I have decided to do this for a while with my blog.

My  main purpose for my blog was to pass along "words of  wisdom" and some practical advice about life in general.  One of the main goals was to help others save lots of money by shopping with coupons.  I have been working on changing my blog around to include a data base of information....

  It's taking longer than I thought.... 

A LOT longer than I thought....

SO...

for a while...

I'm just going to "MARK TIME"
In other words, while my posts may be  interesting,(hopefully), they may not be so informative.

I am going to start with this...

DID YOU KNOW?

HOME MADE SIMPLE BOOK

Thanks to Andrea over at Mommy Snacks,

 I sent for my FREE
Home Made Simple Coupon Book,

There's over $35.00 worth
 of coupons in there!!!

I can't wait!!!

LOVE,

 GRAMMY<><

ORGANIZING COUPONS

Many people ask me how I organize my coupons.

Before I share my method with you, let me just say;

THERE'S NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY

TO ORGANIZE COUPONS!

I am giving a coupon class next week.

I have invited two other "COUPON QUEENS"        

to explain their method

(different from each other’s and mine)

to the class

WHATEVER SYSTEM WORKS FOR YOU IS THE BEST!

I have tried MANY systems for organizing my coupons.

They have ALL failed me in one way or another.

The one I use has failed me the least…so, that is why I use it.

It is the BINDER/BASEBALL CARD HOLDERS System.

The “down side” to this system is time consuming to set up,

however, once it is set up, it doesn’t take long to maintain.

* I get 2 papers delivered. (More about this on another post)

I buy more if there’s going to be lots of coupons.

(Sometimes, I have up to 7 or 8 of each page)

* I match the pages together so I can clip them at the same time.

* I keep a shoebox with index cards for dividers

(in case I don’t have time to put the coupons in the binder)

* I lay the index cards out on the dining room table and

as I clip each coupon, I separate them by categories.

* I put the coupons into their proper place in the binder

and I’m ready to shop!

  I HAVE THREE MAIN CATAGORIES--

FOOD, NON-FOOD and OTHER

                                           UNDER FOOD:

                                            1. CANS/JARS

                                            2. FRIG.

                                            3. FREEZER

                                            4. PACKAGED

                                            5. PRODUCE

                                           UNDER NON FOOD:

                                            1. CLEANING

                                            2. HYGIENE/BEAUTY

                                            3. MEDICINE/HEALTH

                                            4. PAPER/PLASTIC

                                            5. SCHOOL/OFFICE/ETC

                                           UNDER OTHER:

                                            1. BABY

                                            2. PETS
                                            3. RESTURAUNTS/STORES

                                            4. MISCELANIOUS

                                            5. GIVE AWAY

I have “sub-categories” under each category

(I know… it sounds obsessive)

Then they are alphabetized by brand.

(I know…. it sounds REALLY obsessive)

I have learned (the hard way) that when you use this system,

it’s better if you don’t “pull” the coupons.

You just make a note next to the items on your list

of which coupons you are going to use

and how many you have.

Then, as you put the item in your cart,

you get the coupon(s) from the binder

and put it in an envelope or pocket of your binder.

When you are ready to check out…there’s all your coupons.

The best part is if you don’t use a coupon,

you don’t have to re-file it!

BOTTOM LINE-

When I am in the store and

something I use all the time is on an

“Unadvertised Special”,

And I quickly flip through the binder

and find that coupon that makes it

“FREE or NEARLY FREE”,

IT IS WORTH EVERY MINUTE I SPEND ORGANIZING!!!!

How do you organize your coupons?

I would love to hear from you about your method.

Just leave me a comment!

LOVE,

GRAMMY <><>

Super Deal on Baby Einstein DVDs (TODAY ONLY)

+++UPDATE+++ THIS IS TODAY SAT. (SEPT 26) ONLY.
Charlene at My Frugal Adventures  has posted a great deal on

BABY EINSTEIN DVDs

at Toys R Us and Babys R Us. 

The Baby Eistein DVDs (Reg.-$14.99) are on sale-

"Buy one get one free". 

That's a pretty good deal.

BUT, they also have a promotion going on-

Buy 2 DVDs and get $10.00 off at the checkout.

Now, that's a GREAT deal!

2 Baby Einstein DVDs for $4.99 total = $2.50 each!!!

I think this sounds like a great deal for a Grammy,

or for anyone that needs a gift!

(You might want to call your store first to see if they still have some)

Go here for additional information.

LOVE GRAMMY<><

Breaking News: Biggs to TRIPLE!

Little Miss know It All  just announced that Biggs is going to tripple coupons on October 2nd - 5th!!!  

Ready...Set...Clip, Print, Organize, Shop....SAVE!

Time to STOCKPILE!!!

Go here to learn more.

Happy Shopping!!


LOVE,
GRAMMY<><

OLD FOGIES

Here's something just for fun.

Just in case you weren't feeling too old today,

this will certainly change things.

The people who are starting college this fall across the nation were born in 1991.

They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

The CD was introduced 4 years before they were born.

They have always had an answering machine

They have always had cable.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws!

They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

They never heard: "Where's the Beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a
Camel", or "de plane, Boss, de plane".

McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter

Do you feel old yet? (Sorry)

Notice the larger type, that's for those of you who have trouble reading.

Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.

 Feel free To harass any other “old fogies” you know with these facts.

LOVE,

GRAMMY<>< 

25 THINGS ABOUT ME

I came across this list I made a while back on Facebook...It was written with people that know me pretty well in mind, but since it took me a really long time to put it together, I didn't want it to go to waste..so..

I thought I would share it with you...

1. I LOVE lists; so doing this is right up my alley.......
(everyone that knows me probably already knows that)
2. I LOVE my family…..
(everyone that knows me probably already knows that)
3. I LOVE my husband, Bill. We have been married for 43 years. (Sept. 17, 1966)
3. We have 4 children….
(everyone that knows me probably already knows that)
4. We have 13 grandchildren; 12 here and 1 in heaven….
(you might not have known that)
5. I was the baby of my family, with 4 older brothers; 2 here and 2 in heaven….however, I was NOT spoiled, honest!....well, not by my brothers…I WAS kind of a “Daddy‘s Girl“ though.
6. My family went to Virginia Beach and Washington D.C. when I was 3 years old…
AND I REMEMBER IT!
7. One of my best memories of my childhood was laughing at the dinner table.
8. I always liked (and loved) my parents, even when I was a teenager. (I was very un-cool)
I thought I had the smartest Dad and the prettiest Mom in the world (my opinion hasn’t changed)
9. I LOVE music…my favorite is Southern Gospel, but I like it all.
10. My family was, and is, very musical. (My family I came from, my family I married into, my kids and grandkids!)
11. I was in the band and chorus in school….(if you didn’t know that, you probably guessed by now)
 I played the clarinet for 2 years, then switched to French Horn……
(I know, It doesn’t make sense to me either.)
12. I have been a hairdresser for 44 years and I have a “beauty shop” in my laundry room.

( This is harder than I thought, especially trying to think of things about me that everyone that knows me doesn’t already know.... I‘m kind-of boring.)

13. I was kind-of a nerd in school. I never got in trouble and was the “teachers pet” a lot.
 That could have something to do with being a “people pleaser” now.
14. I play the piano a little, (and don’t forget the clarinet and French Horn) but, if I could learn to play any instrument really well, it would be the BANJO, yep, that's right, the BANJO.
15. My newest passion is couponing. I can’t believe how much money I save. It is so much fun!!!
16. I have OFFICALLY started a BLOG. It’s here- http://avisitwithgrammy.blogspot.com/
It’s about “Saving and Giving, Life and Living”
(and making lists….did I mention that I LOVE making lists… )
17. I LOVE puzzles and games….Jig saw puzzles, Crossword puzzles, any kind of board game, I love a challenge.
18. My favorite movies are the typical “chick flicks” and mysteries. I also like kids movies…this is good since I love to make some popcorn and watch a movie with my grandkids.
19. I have lived in Campbell County,KY.  (in only 6 different houses) my whole life, except for 2 years when we lived in Coronado, California when Bill was in the Navy.
20. I like to camp…especially with my family and friends
(of course, these days camping means "backin' in and hookin' up" )
21. My favorite books (besides the Bible, of course) are the “Left Behind” series, Anything by Frank Pereti, and Anything by Barbara Johnson.
22. I LOVE to be in the presence of other Christians, for worship or fellowship..
23. I have been a member of only two churches in my life.
24. I collect angles, especially Dreamsicles. I also collect roosters (in my kitchen)….
This is because they remind me that God’s Mercies are “NEW EVERY MORNING”
25. I am a Grammy (to 12 grandkids), and a Mom (that’s how I got the grandkids), and a wife (that’s how I got the kids) but, before I’m a Grammy or a Mom or a wife.. I’m a servant of the Most High God and I thank Him every day that He loved me enough to send His Son, Jesus to die in my place.

I used the word LOVE here a lot but, of course you all know that I really mean "LIKE EXTREEMLY", except when it applies to my family and friends and my Lord!!!

I hope you enjoyed know a little more about me.



LOVE,
GRAMMY<><

MY KMART SAVINGS

In my last post I told about the Kmart double coupon sale.  I mentioned that this might be the last one for a while... or forever!

Well, I decided to take the challenge to see just how many FREE, OR NEARLY FREE things I could get.

I only got to make 2 trips because our family's cars starting "dropping like flies" this week and because of life in general. It was difficult , but I managed to do pretty well.

HERE IS MY REPORT:

TOTAL BEFORE SALES AND COUPONS- $223.49

TOTAL OUT OF POCKET- $21.36 ($9.52 of that was tax)

I SAVED  90.5%

HERE'S WHAT I GOT "FREE, OR NEARLY FREE":

(Just so you know that I bought things my family really uses).

(1) 72 ct. CHINET PLATES--$2.15

(3) 36 ct. CHINET PLATES--FREE

(6) GLADE 2 oz CANDLES--FREE

(6) PLAYTEX GLOVES--FREE

(2) RENUZIT AIR FRESHENER--FREE

(6) J & J FIRST AID KITS--FREE

(4) 32 ct. ADVIL--FREE

(2) 24 ct. ST JOSEPH ASPRIN--$.78 ($.39 ea.)

(2) HUNTS KETCHUP--FREE

(3) 10pk. REECES CUPS--FREE

(2) TWIN pk. TRIDENT GUM--FREE

(2) QUAKER OATS--$.98 ($.49 ea.)

(2) BAN DEODORANT--FREE

(2) DOVE DEODORANT--FREE

(1) RIGHT GUARD DEODORANT--$.50

(2) SECRET DEODORANT--FREE

(2) SURE DEODORANT--$.58 ($.29 ea.)

(4) KOTEX PANTY LINERS--FREE

(4) L.A. LOOKS HAIR GEL--FREE

(4) PANTENE SHAMPOO--$6.68 ($1.67 ea.)

(I got the Patene for my daughter.  It's all she uses.--The regular price would've been $16.32 ($4.08 ea.) so it was still a good deal.

SO THAT'S MY REPORT!  (Wheww!)

I hope you are finding some great deals out there, too. 

 If so, I would love to hear about them.  Just leave a comment!

LOVE GRAMMY <><

Kmart Doubles 8/30-9/5: The Last Hurrah!

I just got word that Kmart is having what may be the last double coupon event next week (8/30-9/5)
Both the Newport store and the Erlanger store are participating. I'm not sure about any other local stores.

"My Frugal Adventures" has posted an awesome list of coupon match-ups and the "Rules".

Many "Free or Cheap" items. 

 It's time to stockpile!

If you are a serious couponer, check this out
Kmart Doubles 8/30-9/5: The Last Hurrah!

HAPPY SHOPPING!!  HAPPY SAVING!!

Also Walgreens and CVS are having very good sales this week.  I will try to post the lists for them later.


LOVE GRAMMY<><

THANKS FOR ALL THE MUD PIES

This is a picture of my Mom. Isn't she beautiful?


I posted this back in August of last year because my Mom was born and died in August. 
I'm posting it today because I'm thinking a lot about  past Mother's Days....
and because I really miss her today.


She was a very strong woman!


She was married to the same man for 56 years.
She raised 5 children (4 of them boys!)
She worked outside the home for much of her life.
1942: While she was pregnant with her 3rd child, she lost her Mom, Dad, brother, a niece and nephew in a horrible house fire. Six weeks later, her sister died with TB, and of course that was the year war broke out.
1992: my Dad died . Two months later my oldest brother died. (He was buried on her birthday)
1996: my 3rd brother died. Three months later, my nephew died.
 Within 5 years she lost these ones I mentioned plus several other family members that were very close to her.
And during that time, she was diagnosed with lung cancer)


 Even though she had a lot of tragedy in her life, she was fun to be with, she laughed a lot, she was the life of every party, and she never met a stranger.
Some people tell me I’m a lot like my Mom. I consider that a compliment and an honor.

Today I will honor her memory by sharing this poem I wrote for her many years ago.

 THANKS FOR THE MUD PIES

 

When I was just a little kid,

Back in the "olden" days,

I did the things a little kid does,

Played games that a little kid plays.

I remember one thing that you let me do,

That sticks the most in my mind,

Was making "MUD PIES" (and making a mess),

With "pie pans" that you'd help me find.

You'd look 'round in that big ol' kitchen,

Take jar lids and stuf' off the shelf,

And send me out in the back yard,

To make a mess of it and myself.

And now that I'm grown, with kids of my own,

It's now that I realize,

It's not just MUD, but PATIENCE and LOVE,

That go into making MUD PIES.

There's many things I could thank you for,

I wouldn't know just where to start.

But somehow it's always those MUD PIES,

That stick in my mind and my heart.
.

You took care of all the big things,

But somehow you must have known,

It's not the big, but the little things,
That make a house a home.

And now when I'm weary of doing,

All the things that a Mom must do,

I take time to think of those MUD PIES,

And I thank God for a Mom like you.

And now that I'm grown, with kids of my own,

It's now that I realize,

And say "thanks for all the PATIENCE and LOVE,"

And "THANKS FOR ALL THE MUD PIES!”

LOVE GRAMMY<><

MY GROWN UP SON

I was just reading a post by a precious friend of mine on Facebook about trying to keep her house clean with two small boys. It made me think of an old poem that I found years ago.

The author is unknown.

Since my two sons are grown up now,
I thought I would share it with her--
and all the mothers (and fathers) with small children.


MY GROWN-UP SON:
My hands were busy through the day;
I didn’t have much time to play
The little games you asked me to--
I didn’t have much time for you.

I’d wash your clothes, I’d sew and cook;
but when you’d bring your picture book,
And ask me please to share your fun;
I’d say “a little later son.

”I’d tuck you in all safe at night,
and hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tip-toe softly to the door....
I wish I’d stayed a minute more.

For life is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away;
there are no longer games to play,
No good-night kiss no prayer to hear---
That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do the little things you asked me to.

(Yeah, I have a tear in my eye, too.)

Some more "WORDS OF WISDOM" I shared with my friend,

and will share with you is:

A clean house can't give you a hug. A clean house is for a later time.

Now is for Big Hugs from Little People!!!

It's nice when that miracle happens and the house, and the kids, are clean

and the laundry is finished and supper is ready on the stove

all at the same time........

or even all in the same day...or same week...or same year...

or same lifetime!...

BUT...a clean house and all that other stuff----

should be wayyyy down the priority list!

At the top should be the important things,

like:

LOTS OF..

hugs, kisses, tickling--followed by giggling,

water guns, in the summer and snow balls, in the winter

(both outside of course),

tea parties, swimming, ball games,

swinging, sliding, climbing,

books, crayons, finger paints,

piggy-back rides,

singing, stories, naps,

and general fun---

ALL enjoyed by parents and kids TOGETHER!!!!

LOVE GRAMMY<><

A VERY SPECIAL DAY

Today is my husband's birthday! He is 63 years old.

We will celebrate on Sunday,

with his favorite dinner and pies for dessert....

It will be at his favorite place.

Right in the middle of our kids and grandkids!

Just like in this picture....

Some of our family lives away :( ,

but everyone that's close by will be here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUU...(cha,cha,cha)..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUU...(cha,cha,cha)..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR "DEETDAHHHH"..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU...

(and many more, til' you're a hundred and fifty four)

That's "Happy Birthday"as it would be sung by our grandkids.

("Deetdah" is what they call him...Our oldest grandson, who is almost 16 years old, couldn't say Grandpa and "Deetdah" is what came out, and it just stuck!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BILL!

ABYOU FOREVER! (another story for another day)

LOVE GRAMMY<><

I'M BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN

"...Yes, I'm back in the saddle again"......

I LOVE saving money with coupons, but this has been a very busy summer and I've kind of been slacking. I still search for the deals and use coupons, but just not to the extent that I use to.

Then, one day last week, a friend of mine posted on Facebook how she had saved 52% at Kroger (that's where I do most of my grocery shopping). That really inspired me...and, of course,

THE CHALLENGE WAS ON!

Sooooo, I clipped, sorted, organized, ALL my coupons...Looked at my favorite blogs to get my deal list and I was off!

First, at Kroger, I got $220.00 worth of groceries for $120.00. That's a savings of $103.00! or 46% !! I know it isn't the 52% that my friend saved, but it sure felt good--and saving $103.00 is like making $103.00--not bad for @5 hours work. ( It took a little longer because I was behind on my clipping etc.)


OK, now on to K-Mart! I got $52.00 worth of stuff there for $7.50. That's a savings of $44.50! or 86% !!

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' 'BOUT!!

(Oh, and BTW, $2.48 of the $7.50 was tax! )

I had to work a little harder for this savings because I was with my friend and her 3 little ones--but on the other hand, where can you go for a day out with some favorite friends and have all the fun and fellowship a person can handle for $10.29 (We met at Mc Donalds Playland beforehand and let the kids play while we got our coupons and list ready...Lunch-$2.79)

There's more, but I'm saving it for later blog about "BARTERING".

Sooo, I'm looking..... for the...uhh......yes......here it is.....

I found it.....my ol' crown.......

OK.....let me....just......put it on......There.....That's better!!

THE COUPON QUEEN IS BACK!

It's just like riding a bike (or a horse)....
(or maybe a shopping cart)

...."Yes, I'm back in the saddle again"....

LOVE GRAMMY<><

LESSONS FROM THE GARDEN

My family(consisting of my husband and me,our kids and our grand kids) has a garden this year. It's not a very big garden. Well, it depends on what you compare it to. Our lot is 100' X 150' and our garden is 30' X 40'.

It's been a while since we have had a garden of any size (unless you count the tomatoes in pots on the deck last year), so it has been a learning experience for all of us......to say the least :)

We have shared the work--plowing, planting, weeding, watering, picking, canning, freezing, cooking, and eating. Some of us have helped with some things more than others.....(Some, who shall remain nameless, seem to only show up on the "eating" part :)

As I said, it's been a learning experience. Remembering some things from childhood and learning some new things about gardening, but, for some reason, I have been learning a lot of "life lessons" from our garden.

The parable of the sower comes to mind right away...and them there's "give and it will be given.." and many more.

I hope to be sharing what "practical" and "life" lessons I've learned in the next week or two, along with some pictures, but for now I will just say that our garden has been a blessing to our family and is helping us to "grow"(no pun intended).

LOVE GRAMMY<><

FACEBOOK

I like FACEBOOK.

I stay in touch with many of my friends that way.

One of my FACEBOOK friends posted this recently

so I thought I would pass it along here:

FACEBOOK has agreed to let a third party advertisers use your posted pictures WITHOUT your permission. Click on SETTINGS up at the top where you see the Log out link. Select Privacy. Then select NEWSFEEDS and WALL. Next select the tab that reads FACEBOOK ADS. There is a drop down box, select NO ONE. Then SAVE your changes. (REPOST to let your friends know!)

LOVE, GRAMMY<><

THE LOSS OF A DEAR FRIEND

I know we have all lost people in our lives that were near and dear to us. Each of us feels that our loss is the greatest. I hope that by sharing my loss, someone else will be comforted in theirs.

Today I would like to tell you about my friend.

In his short 56 years on this earth, he stuffed about 200 years of living. Some people just go through life "getting through life". Not my friend. He lived every day to it's fullest-- and then some-- leaving behind wonderful memories for his family and friends to ease their pain and sorrow.

He found the true meaning to life---"DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF" Life is too short to worry about all those things that don't matter. We all worry too much-- about really SMALL STUFF. A good motto about worry is: IF IT DOESN'T AFFECT ETERNITY, IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER!

I'm not saying that my friend wasn't concerned about important things. He took his responsibilities very seriously. His love for God, his family, his friends, his church, his job (pretty much in that order) always showed. He just never allowed the seriousness of a situation to take the joy out of his life.

His death was sudden and unexpected and so all of us who knew and loved him feel robbed. We feel robbed of his smile, his jokes, his loving and caring ways, his music (the music he played and sang---but more than that, the music of his heart), and mostly, his awesome love of God, that always showed.

So in honor and memory of my friend, I'm going to try to----

Love on my family (even when I'm not in the mood),

Hug a friend (and maybe someone I don't know very well),

Do something for someone (even if I don't have the time),

Smile (just for no reason)

Sing a song (maybe a really silly song),

Tell someone a joke (maybe a really corny joke),

Tell someone about Jesus and show His love in all I do.

I am sad that I lost my Friend,

But, my sadness is for me, not Him,

He is home now, he is Free!

Yes, my sadness is just for me.

I will miss you dear friend---but, I'll see you soon!

LOVE GRAMMY <><

To read more about my friend (his name is Kenny), you can visit my niece's blog http://kellis-world.blogspot.com She has some wonderful things to say also.

"THINGS DIDN'T GO QUITE AS PLANNED"

I was just sitting here, on this beautiful (but chilly) Monday morning, pondering last weekend.

On Friday, I blogged about "MY LIST OF MONEY MAKING MAKING LISTS" in which I gave a "How-To" lesson in how my "LISTS" help me stay organized and make my "MONEY SAVING JOB" easier and faster.

Then Saturday morning started with a call from one of my daughters asking me if I could watch her three little ones while she did some shopping. "I need to go, too.", says I. "Why don't we "double team" them and go together?", says she. "Sounds like a plan", says I..... and away we go.

When you mix 3 small girlies (AKA Granddaughters), ages 7, 5, and 2 1/2 (and potty-training), to 5 different stores for about 6 hours....Things "DON'T ALWAYS GO QUITE AS PLANNED"

I forgot to mention that I also had to clean the bathrooms at my church...So..the plan was that my daughter would take my Walmart list with her a do Walmart for both of us while I took the girlies and some crayons and coloring books to church and did the bathrooms.

Speaking of bathrooms.......Do you know how many trips 3 little girlies can make to the "potty" in one day? Of course, carefully covering the seat with paper each and every time...(even at church after Grammy had just cleaned and disinfected the seat) because Mommy says they should...which is really a good rule. Rules are good. I like rules.

Also, on the subject of bathrooms......Do you know how long it can take a 7 year old perfectionist to get the paper "just right" on the seat?

We actually had a good trip---of course it was Saturday and a lot of things on my list were gone (especially the FREE things)

Here's my Savings Report:

1.I met another daughter at Logos Book Store(with the 3 girlies) to pick out a gift for a baby dedication: No big savings here but I stayed within the budget.

2.Walmart: My list was all Free items--I got 4 Buddy Bars (baby Soap)- FREE--they were out of the other items

3.Walgreens: All the FREE stuf was gone--I got ONE FREE toothbrush and some cheap Pepsi for my husband's lunch.

4.Meijer: Just went for the deals-I don't usually do Meijer (Another story for another day) I got--
10 boxes of Kellogg's cereal for $.80 each,
10 gallons of milk for $1.75 each (gotta have some milk for all that cereal),
3 jars of Miracle Whip- FREE (this was a big deal for me--my family won't eat any other brand),
2 packs of Nestles cookie dough for $.45 each,
and 2 loaves Aunt Millie's bread for $.49 each.
I saved @ 70%

5. Kroger: By now I was glad that I know Kroger so well and had my store "map", because Grammy was slowing down.
I did my "NEED" list here so I only saved @40%
(once you save over 50%, it's hard to settle for less)


With way more help than anyone could need or want, more trips to the "potty" than I could count, misplaced lists and coupons, and fighting frustration at missing "FREEBIES", we survived the day.

Not too bad for three tiny "helpers", one very patient Mama, and one VERY tired Grammy.

You know, things usually look pretty good on paper (like my MONEY SAVING LIST)but remember...Some days, things JUST DON'T GO AS PLANNED

LOVE,
GRAMMY<><

MY LIST OF MY "MONEY SAVING LISTS"

In my struggle to stay organized, I always have at least one list handy. This habit comes in handy to save BIG TIME at the grocery, drug store, and other stores.
I have always used coupons, but I have been couponing seriously for about a year now. I have the following lists that help me with that:

1. MY KITCHEN INVENTORY LIST (A list of everything I might buy on a regular basis sorted by where it is kept...Pantry,Frig,Freezer,Laundry,Bathroom, etc.) It wasn't that hard to make it up..I just walked around writing things down.

2. MY "NEED" LIST (I try to jot things down as I run out of them and keep it on the frig...I hope I'm not the only one who is forgetful about this one)

3. MY "DEALS" LIST FROM MY BLOGGING FRIENDS AKA MY BLOG ROLL (I visit several of the blogs listed to the right and copy and paste any deals the sound good to me on a page, then I print it out or just jot them down.)

4. MY WEEKLY MENU LIST (This is not "written in stone" or even followed some weeks--I try to make it based on what's already on hand and just add ingredients that I need----my current trip will be for things that are on sale to stockpile for future meals---this way I can make the menu up ahead of time, before the store sale ad comes out.)

5. MY STORE "MAPS" ( This a list of everything that is in each aisle, sorted by aisles, at my favorite stores.)
Time spent making my "store maps"--about 1 hour at each store;
Time spent typing them up neatly--since my typing is bad and my spelling is worse--a little longer than making them ;);
Time and money saved when I'm shopping-- PRICELESS!!!

Now that I have my handy-dandy lists made, it's time to go to work!

1.I lay out all my lists and the sale flyer for the store I'm going to.
2.I use the "inventory" list to help me with the "need" list (because I sometimes forget to write things down...hummm..,
3.I check my "menu" list for items to add to my "need" list.
Now the fun really starts....really..
4.I make my "store" list (the one I take to the store) by using my store "map". I "mentally" go down each aisle, adding things from my "deals" list and my "need" list to my "store" list as I come to them and cross them off the other list.
5.I gather my coupons that I will use and next to each item on my "store" list, I make a note if there's a coupon and it's value.
(I will share lots more on couponing in future posts)
6.I head to the store, with my "store" list, my coupon binder (just in case), some envelopes (to put the coupons in as I get the items in my list, and my money (only what is in the "budget envelope" for that store)
7.I come home and put ALL my wonderful deals away and count up my savings.(I try to save 50% at the grocery and about 80% at the drug and discount stores)

I spend an average of 3-4 hours each week reading couponing blogs, gathering and clipping coupons, making lists, shopping, and putting things away. (I spend more time at home than the average person, but much less time at the store.)

I save an average of $120.00 a week on groceries, toiletries, and household products. THAT'S $30-$40 AN HOUR (Not bad for a Grammy;))

DID ANYONE NOTICE THAT NOT ONLY DID I SHARE MY "LIST OF LISTS", I "LISTED" HOW I USED THEM TO SAVE MONEY......I THINK I NEED HELP!!!.....MAYBE I COULD JOIN "LIST MAKERS ANONYMOUS"....
I GUESS I'LL GO SEE IF ONE IS "LISTED" IN THE PHONE BOOK.....;)

LOVE GRAMMY <><

MOTHER'S DAY..... a few days late!

I missed posting for MOTHER'S DAY Which is just about my favorite holiday!!

But EVERY day should be MOTHER'S DAY, Right?
Can I get a witness?

I thought I would share some special MOTHER'S "MONTH" things for the rest of MAY...

HERE'S A FAVORITE...





LOVE GRAMMY<><

ALL ABOUT ME... Well, maybe not All... but at least Some, about me.

THIS IS MY FAMILY...AREN'T THEY BEAUTIFUL?

Well, I’m finally back!!! After a year. It’s me …the old “LIST MAKING GRAMMY”.

I started this blog last year and promised to share my “LIST MAKING SKILLS” with you. Sorry, somehow I got sidetracked, by LIFE, I guess…
“Things didn’t go quite as planned” (I need to add this phrase to the --‘THINGS I SAY A LOT’ LIST).

To share a little about me--I am a Grammy (to 12 grandkids!!), hence the name of my blog, and a Mom (that’s how I got the grandkids), and a wife (that’s how I got the kids),
So I consider myself an expert on many subjects. Some of this wisdom I will be sharing with you.

One of my goals in life is being organized, (I will pause while those nearest and dearest to me compose themselves from uncontrollable laughter at that statement...) and I’m hoping that this blog will help me do that and maybe share a little wisdom with others while I’m at it.
My sharing will come from a biblical perspective; because, before I’m a Grammy or a Mom or a wife.. I’m a servant of the Most High God and I thank Him every day that He loved me enough to send His Son, Jesus to die in my place.

OK, now that I've decided to share all my wisdom with you, I probably should make a disclaimer....or two....

First, while it isn't Impossible, ... It is "Hard to teach an old dog new tricks". The 'old dog' would be me and the 'new tricks' would be blogging and the Internet in general, not to mention the computer... So bear with me as I learn and hopefully this blog will improve with age.

Second, I'm not an expert on Everything, but I Do know a little bit about a lot of stuf' and a lot about little bit of stuf'. The rest we will learn together.

Anytime you want to comment on my posts, I would consider it an honor so don't hesitate!

LOVE, GRAMMY<>