Just the Highlights

Hunter: Hey Mom, I like your hair. It highlights your mustache.

( I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.)

More WOW

I recently discovered that in my 5/19 WOW post, I was apparently so very speechless that I forgot to let everyone know exactly which one of my daughters is pregnant. Thanks for your patience (although you and I and those 3 homeless people from the library all know that no one reads this damn thing anyway) in allowing me to reveal who's going to be a Momma. Jena is the one who's pregnant, and not, thank goodness, Ashlyn.

And I swear Jena's going to have a girl. It's just a feeling I have, but it's that really strong feeling that you just can't deny and have to give in to, even if it flies in the face of all that's right in the world. A girl would be a miracle though, because Huffstetlers only produce boys. But I'm telling y'all, she's going to have a girl. And I'ma be a Nana. Tee Hee

A Taste Of Water

My friend, Lynn, and her family are visiting from Montana this week, so what better time to go out and possibly drown yourself?

Lynn, her exchange student daughter, Sang A, Ashlyn, and I drove up to Idaho Springs on Sunday and proceeded to get wet. And cold. And what a rush! I am totally doing this again!

(http://www.coloradorafting.net/#home)

(Thanks to Hunter for suggesting the music for this movie.)

WOW

I found out Saturday that the inevitable has happened. Early next year, at the age of 39 - I'm still 38 for another 2 1/2 months, thank you very much - I will become a grandmother, or Nana, if you will.

I'm still in shock and so far the only word that really describes the situation is WOW. More to come should I ever find my way out of the fog...

They Can Hear You, Too

Kenin: You know, some days you're my favorite least psychotic wife, and other days you're just my favorite psychotic wife.

Me: Now aren't you going to feel bad if I'm ever diagnosed with some sort of psychotic disorder?

Kenin: No. I'm actually expecting it.

Me: The voices in my head say they're disappointed in you.

Whose Fault Is It?

As an educator, it's my job, and most days my pleasure, to educate children. It's my job to raise children to be a responsible, productive member of society. Part of that responsibility is teaching a child - particularly one with special needs - to behave as much as possible within societal norms.

This means that when your child locks himself in the bathroom 2 minutes before the dismissal bell rings and refuses to come out until he's told that he's missed the bus and we're calling Daddy to pick him up, you need to understand that I'm not calling you just so I can piss you off. Your child needs for us to work together to provide consistent guidelines so that he knows what is okay and what is not okay. The fact that when he apologized to you (he was obviously terrified of you, but that's a whole 'nother story), you told him, "Don't worry. It's not your fault," pretty much amazed me. I'm sorry I have to shock you into reality but, yes, it was his fault. Despite the fact that your child's sister said that he does that and worse at home doesn't make it okay for him to do it at school. If he learns that it's 'not his fault', whose fault will it be when he locks himself in a bathroom (without stalls) at the mall or at a restaurant or when you're on vacation and in a hotel room?

Those Pesky Grocery Bills

Wanna save some of that money that you're spending for all those vittles that go into your tummy? Want to do it without having resort to eating road kill? If so, check out the following tips.

~ First of all, get a membership to Sam's Club, Costco, or something along those lines. Generally speaking, in wholesale or warehouse clubs, you'll find better values on items. Items that are particularly good values include paper products (napkins, tp or paper plates), milk, laundry detergent, cheese, condiments, butter or margarine, and ice cream.

~ Use coupons. And I don't mean just now and then, either. I mean religiously. Some online sources for coupons include thegrocerygame.com, and mommysavesbig.com.

~ Sales, sales, sales! Need I say more? Check out mygrocerydeals.com and couponmom.com for the inside scoop on what's on sale, when, and where. If chicken is on sale, don't opt for the steak that isn't. Also, don't be afraid to look at the "reduced" section - we've gotten $12 or $15 dollar steaks for half price or less, and they still have a few days until the use by date. They're great for grilling!

~ Shop online and have your groceries delivered. I know, I know, you're wondering how that particular nugget will save you money, right? Yeah, you'll pay a delivery fee on top of your grocery bill, but by not shopping yourself and only buying what's on the list, you're not wandering the aisles and making impulse purchases, and that will save you some precious cash. And even if you're not buying online, STICK TO YOUR LIST! All those little extras are what cost you.

~ Don't take the kids along and don't browse. Shoppers with children (teenagers, too) in tow spend 10% to 40% more than solo shoppers or those who are 'in and out' shoppers.

~ Buy fruits and veggies that are in season. If it's January and you want fresh strawberries, many times those strawberries are grown in more tropical locales and have to be shipped in. The best prices on seasonal produce are often found at your local farmer's market.

~Use it or lose it. Every now and again, forget the shopping trip and empty the freezer and pantry instead. Put the extra cash in a savings account and earn money instead of spending it. Besides, nothing is worse than having to toss steaks or chicken just because they got pushed behind the box of popsicle's that've been in the freezer since last summer.

~ Use cash instead of credit. With cash, there's a set limit that you can't go beyond. Unfortunately, that limit isn't quite so concrete when it comes to credit or debit cards. Credit users often spend 20% to 30% more than those who use cash, and you wouldn't want to fall into that category, would you?

~ Last but possibly most importantly, cook. I don't mean peel the plastic off, throw it in the microwave and nuke it. I'm talking about actually cutting up some veggies, adding a little spice, a little meat if you like, and putting it into an oven, a skillet or throwing it on the grill. Using raw or fresh ingredients to cook meals are less expensive than buying pre-packaged, frozen, or fast food. Not to mention, it's healthier, too.

Good luck!

How Can You Not Love the Lizards?

2008 SoBe Life Water Super Bowl Ad