Cute

Maddie has been doing such cute things lately. I wanted to share two of them.

Whenever she wants something and I oblige, she happily says "Weccome!", to which I always respond with a "Thank You!" Hey, the girl's got manners--doesn't really matter the order, right?

A few weeks ago she started simple sentences. She started with "Hold. Baby." (referring to herself--this is when she wants to be picked up.) A few days later she progressed to "Hold da baby." which is all said quite quickly and blends together.

So fun.

Great Book

Have you read this?? In case this pic is too small, its called The Peacegiver, written by James L. Ferrell. If you haven't read it, you should. I've been told by numerous people over the last few years to read it and that I would like it. Its the best book I've read in a long time.

Its a quick read (I think I read it in about two sittings). The author brings up some new ways of looking at familiar concepts. I think the subtitle on the cover sums the book up the best: 'How Christ offers to heal our hearts and homes'. I also like how its a story--not a reference book. Check it out.

These Days

...I am finally starting to be able to breathe while teaching the Gospel Doctrine class at church! Whoah--talk about scary. Talk about perspiration (not so much now, but those first few weeks! Man oh manny.) Consider following in the footsteps of a former member of the Stake Presidency and our previous Bishop--both excellent teachers--and you'll really get what I am dealing with here! So, what, you thought they only called gospel scholars to this position? Nope. But don't try to become one once they've called you--you'll only feel guilty that you're not studying the lesson! (Other causes of guilt include blogging, TV, and well, anything really that isn't part of preparing the lesson.)


And did you know?? There's this whole world of "couponing" out there that I never even knew existed. There are people out there who make an art of this activity. All I know is a few weeks ago, my friend, Amy, called me up and asked if I wanted to go get some free Progresso soup with her at Albertsons? Well, can any of us turn down 'free'? Especially from overpriced-Albertsons?? I thought not. Driving home with my free soup, I realized I was becoming hooked.

I'm learning there's an art to this business of saving money, and while I'm not going completely hog wild with it, I appreciate the tips I'm receiving. I have four people's blogs posted here on my right sidebar, each of which send multiple tips daily on what deals are out there. So really, I'm letting them do all the work, and I am reaping the rewards in the things I am interested in.


And then there's sugar. Yeah--I'm trying to quit. The refined kind, that is. It was when, last week, I had several incidents in a row of ODing on sweets and soon thereafter came across an article on sugar addiction, I knew something had to change. At that point I also had the desire to change as well, which helps 'cause I don't have that desire often. Wish me luck. So far, sugarless gum is helping. And I'm actually eating fruit again!


Alright--one more thing that I realize is a bit 'weirdo'. I've also quit milk. I eat cheese and yogurt, and have milk in cooking, but I cannot, for the life of me, drink a glass of the stuff. I stumbled across some literature that totally put me off milk. If you're wanting to quit milk, let me know and I can forward you the link to the article. Yuck. And Silk is so not as bad as I thought it might be. I've also heard Almond Breeze (almond milk) is not bad either.

Do you think I am extreme? You might be right.

Hold On To Your Seat...

If you are my family member or friend who talks to me occasionally or daily, you may know that I have had a little "problem". I just wasn't quite making it on my 600 minute/month cell phone plan, and I have had to cut more than a few people off on the phone because of it.

Ray and I never felt the need for a land line when we were both working outside the home. Now that I'm working in the home, an extra bill doesn't feel like what we've needed either. Add to that Ray's dislike of signing yet another contract with a cell company to get a better plan, and I've really been in a quandry.

I love keeping up with old friends, but I've never loved spending hours on the phone (long live blogging and Facebook! Keeping up has never been easier!). Long phone calls are good to analyze events or for friend-therapy sessions, but otherwise I don't generally thinking of myself as a "phone gabber".

But when you take into account that it is my number on the ward/stake list, as well as doctors and dentists phone calls, blah blah blah, I really have had to watch closely to make sure I stayed to my minutes. I really could be quite rude and abrupt in that last week of the billing cycle. I even went so far once as to accept the offer of my dear friend, Ann, to utilize her cell phone for a week or so, since she didn't use her cell phone that often!

BUT, NO MORE!!!! Call me all you want, and I will do the same. My cell phone company just offered me their "Customer Loyalty" plan and for only $3 more a month, I now get unlimited calling, anytime!!! I feel like I've come of age, and am a whole and normal person once again. Seriously, having to watch your minutes is so yesterday, isn't it??